How to treat wounds and prevent scars
Arm yourself with these important information.

Anyone can get a wound. However, some people--toddlers and children, athletes and people living an active lifestyle--get wounded more often. Toddlers and preschool children are prone to getting wounds because they are learning to explore the world. Athletes and active people likewise are exposed to the same risk because they are more exposed to physical harm. Some wounds leave a lasting impression in the form of scars. It is always good to be armed with information on what to do when you or someone you know gets wounded and how you can avoid those unsightly scars.

Wounds
A wound is a break in body tissue. Some injuries, like cuts and scrapes, are called open wounds; others, like deep bruises, are called closed wounds. Bleeding, pain and a loss of feeling or function below the wound site are often experienced. External forces, such as motor vehicle accidents and falls, and the mishandling of sharp objects, tools, machinery and weapons, such as fishhooks, knives and blades, usually cause wounds.

Open wounds are prone to infection as they allow bacteria to freely enter exposed tissue. Bites, punctures, crushing injuries, dirty wounds, wounds on the feet and wounds that do not receive prompt medical attention are more likely to become infected.

Treat wounds ASAP!
When a wound is left exposed and untreated for some time, it becomes prone to a number of complications, such as:

Perform first aid on a wound immediately. Always make sure that the wound is clean to ensure that it will be free from any form of complications brought about by germs. If the wound seems to be untreatable by first aid, see your doctor immediately.

First aid for wounds
There are different types of wounds, with each type requiring a different form of first aid. Before treating the wound, always make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. The following are simple steps to take in case you or someone close to you gets wounded:

For scrapes

• Wash the cut thoroughly with mild soap and water.
• Apply antibiotic ointment.
• Apply a clean bandage.

For splinters

• Use sterilized tweezers to pull out the splinter. Pull it out at the same angle it went in.
• If the splinter is just under the skin, use the tip of a sterilized needle to lift the splinter out.
• Wash the area after the splinter is out. Bandage if necessary.

For lacerations

• Wash the wound thoroughly with mild soap and water.
• Use direct pressure to control bleeding.
• Bandage the wound with a butterfly bandage.
• Get medical help.

For punctures

• Use a forceful stream of water (with soap) to rinse the puncture wound.
• Without sealing off the wound hole(s), apply a clean bandage.
• Get medical help.

For wounds with embedded objects

• Avoid removing the embedded object.
• Gently cut any clothing away from the wound.
• If the victim has to be moved and the object hinders movement, very gently cut away the object a few inches from the skin.
• Control bleeding by applying INDIRECT pressure to the area around the wound.
• Immobilize the object while getting medical help.

Seeing your doctor
At the first sign of a wound, apply first aid. If the wound is severe, however, it is always wise to see a medical professional to attend to the wound immediately. Here are some things that your doctor can do in these cases.

Scars
Scars form after an injury, surgery or a lengthy chronic disease such as acne. It is actually part of the normal healing process. Scars form when the body tries to make extra collagen, a kind of protein, to close a wound. Fibers of collagen normally strengthen the layer of skin that lies just beneath the surface. When the skin is wounded, the collagen produced is thicker than usual, and that thickness causes the scar. Over time, the body replaces the thick collagen with normal collagen, so the scar may fade and even vanish. Usually though, some scarring remains.

No scar can be removed entirely. There will always be traces of a scar that will be left on the skin no matter what treatment one applies. However, there are ways by which the appearance of a scar can be improved, thereby making it less noticeable.

If none of the above works for you, it might be best to consult a dermatologist. Ask about other options in removing scars such as laser treatment. It may completely remove traces of your scar but can be quite expensive.