What is a Wound?

The term refers to injuries that involve a break in bodily tissue, most often the skin. They are very common, and almost everyone will experience one at some point in their lives. Falls, accidents with sharp tools (knives, saws, etc.), and car accidents can all cause breaks in the skin that bleed and are at risk for infection.

There are five types that range in severity and amount of blood loss. They are:

• abrasions (a scrape or road rash, not a lot of bleeding)
• incisions (made with sharp tools, usually experience a large amount of bleeding)
• lacerations (deep cuts, bleed very quickly)
• punctures (involves something sharp and pointy, may not bleed a lot but can cause damage to internal organs)
• avulsions (very violent, heavy bleeding)

Taking Care of an Open Sore

If your wound is minor and the bleeding stops within 20 minutes or so, you can treat it at home. The first thing you must do is to wash it and remove any debris that may still be inside. You can apply an antibiotic ointment that will inhibit bacterial growth. Make sure you bandage it snugly to control the bleeding, but not so tightly that you lose circulation.

Focus on keeping the sore clean and dry for at least 5 days. You will need to wash and reapply new bandages every day. In certain cases, the lesion may be minor enough that it doesn’t even require a bandage at all. In order to ease your pain, you can use ice therapy to control pain or swelling, or (after checking with a doctor) there are over-the-counter medications that you can take to help with discomfort.

Diabetic Wound Care

If you have diabetes, you have more potential risks to deal with. First of all, if the sore is on your foot you might not even notice until it’s gotten worse. Peripheral neuropathy can cause you to lose feeling in your limbs, which is why daily foot checks are so important. You could step on something sharp and not even feel a thing. You may also deal with decreased blood flow to your limbs (poor circulation). This makes proper healing more difficult.

If you notice that you have an open sore on your foot, wash with plain warm water, put a triple antibiotic cream on it, and apply a light gauze covering. Do not, under any circumstances, put pressure on it. Keep an eye on it over the next day or two. If it doesn’t appear to be healing come and see us right away. Remember that there is no such thing as “just a little cut” when it comes to diabetes.

Seeking Medical Help

If you’re concerned about a wound’s healing progress or have questions about proper wound care, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Mitchell Wachtel, a dedicated podiatrist with offices in North Andover, Lowell, and Haverhill. You can reach out at (978) 794-8406 to schedule an appointment and receive expert guidance tailored to your specific needs.

At Mitchell Wachtel, DPM, we prioritize your foot health and well-being. With a commitment to providing the highest level of care, our podiatry services encompass various areas, including diabetic foot care, children’s foot care, skin and nail health, working feet, sports feet, and much more. Our mission is to support individuals dealing with diverse foot issues, ensuring they enjoy a life free from foot-related discomfort.

Contact Us for Foot Care Excellence

– **North Andover Podiatrist Office:** 978-794-8406
– **Lowell Podiatrist Office:** 978-794-8406
– **Haverhill Podiatrist Office:** 978-794-8406

Do you have questions about foot health? We encourage you to explore our comprehensive Foot Care Library for valuable information. If you can’t find the answers you seek, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Your foot health matters, and we are here to provide the expertise you need.  REMEMBER that if you are dealing with a health emergency then call 911 Immediately! 

*Dr. Wachtel and his dedicated staff serve patients with utmost care at their three office locations in North Andover, Lowell, and Haverhill. Whether you require diabetic foot care, children’s foot care, assistance with skin and nail health, or support for active and athletic feet, we offer podiatry solutions tailored to your unique needs.*