Internal wounds can be caused by all kinds of sharp objects piercing the skin, including simple objects such as wall corners or cutting tools such as knives. Whatever the cause, internal injuries are painful, can bleed profusely, and require immediate medical attention. If you or someone you are with has internal injuries, you will need to assess the severity of the wound and then provide treatment according to the condition.
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Method 1 of 4: Checking Wounds
Step 1. Examine the wound
If you can see fat, muscle, or bone tissue from the incision, or if the wound is wide and the edges are uneven, it's likely that the wound will need stitches. If in doubt, you should have it checked by a doctor or nurse.
- Signs of an injury requiring immediate treatment include one or a combination of the following: severe pain, heavy bleeding, signs of shock (such as fever, sweaty skin, chills, or pallor of the skin).
- Wounds that penetrate the skin layer will reveal fatty tissue (yellow-brown and lumpy), muscle (dark red and stringy), or bone (brown-white hard surface).
- Wounds that do not penetrate all layers of the skin do not require stitches and can be treated at home.
Step 2. Prepare a serious wound to be examined by a doctor
If you believe that your wound requires emergency medical attention, there are several things you can do to treat the wound before going to the emergency room. Immediately rinse the wound under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Next, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage, and continue to apply pressure all the way to the emergency room.
- The wound will be cleaned again at the doctor's clinic to make sure it is completely germ-free.
- If the wound is large and bleeding profusely, try to cover it with a towel or bandage, then continue to apply pressure again.
Step 3. Do not try to clean the wound or cover it with household appliances
Don't remove anything that's hard to come off of. If there are glass shards or debris trapped in the wound, trying to remove it yourself can actually make the wound worse. Also, do not try to suture or glue the wound as household appliances can cause infection and/or hinder wound healing. Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine to clean the wound, as this can slow wound healing.
Step 4. Visit a doctor without ignoring personal safety concerns
If possible, do not drive your own vehicle as this may be dangerous. If you are alone and bleeding heavily, calling an ambulance may be a good option.
Method 2 of 4: Treating Minor Deep Wounds
Step 1. Clean the wound
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 5-10 minutes. You can use any soap or clean water. Research shows that there is no significant difference between the use of antiseptic solutions such as hydrogen peroxide and antimicrobial soaps on fairly clean wounds.
The key is to drain the wound with plenty of fluids. If there is dirt, broken glass or other objects that cannot be removed easily, or if the wound was caused by a dirty, rusty object or an animal bite, you should contact your doctor
Step 2. Press the wound to stop the bleeding
After the wound is cleaned, press a clean cloth or bandage against the wound surface for at least 15 minutes. You can also slow bleeding by elevating the wound above your heart.
- To prevent the blood clot that is covering the wound from coming off when you stop pressing the bandage, try using a non-sticky cloth such as Telfa gauze.
- If the wound continues to bleed after you try these steps, call your doctor.
Step 3. Bandage the wound
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage or gauze. Keep the wound dry and clean by changing the bandage 1-2 times a day until it heals.
Step 4. Watch out for infections
Call your doctor if you have signs of infection. Signs of this infection include a sore that feels warm or red, discharge of pus from the wound, pain that gets worse at the wound, or a fever.
Method 3 of 4: Treating Serious Deep Wounds
Step 1. Call or ask someone to call an ambulance
You must bring medical personnel to the scene as soon as possible. If you and the injured person are alone, wound bleeding should be controlled immediately before seeking help.
Step 2. Wear gloves if you are caring for someone else
You must protect yourself from contact with other people's blood. Latex gloves will protect you from the possibility of contracting the disease from other people's blood.
Step 3. Examine the severity of the wound and the victim's response to the wound
In addition, also check the circulation and breathing of the victim. Ask the victim to lie down or sit if possible so that he or she can rest.
Check the source of the problem. Cut the victim's clothing if necessary so you can examine the wound
Step 4. Check for problems that threaten the safety of the victim
If the wound causes heavy bleeding from the arm or leg, ask the victim to elevate the injured limb. Maintain this position until the bleeding stops.
- Shock can also threaten the safety of the victim. If the victim is in shock, keep the body as warm and relaxed as possible.
- Don't try to remove anything like broken glass unless you're trained to do so. Removing the object can trigger heavy bleeding if it is the object that is blocking the flow.
Step 5. Bandage the wound
Place a thin gauze pad over the wound. Press the wound firmly.
Compression bandages can be made from clothing, cloth, rags, etc., if you don't have a first aid bandage. However, if present, apply a compression bandage around the wound. Do not wrap too tightly, make sure two fingers can still fit under the bandage
Step 6. Wrap the gauze over the bandage if the blood is seeping
Do not try to remove the bandage and gauze that has been attached as this will irritate the wound.
Keep the layer of bandage under it in place. This layer will help maintain the position of the blood clot that forms, preventing blood from flowing out of the wound
Step 7. Monitor the victim's breathing and circulation
Calm the victim until help arrives (if the wound is serious) or until the bleeding stops (if the wound is not too severe). You should call an ambulance if the wound is severe and/or the bleeding cannot be stopped.
Be sure to explain the victim's injuries when calling an ambulance. This will help paramedics be ready to help when they arrive
Step 8. Get further medical help from a doctor
For example, if the wound is very deep or dirty, you may need a tetanus vaccine. Tetanus is a dangerous bacterial infection that can cause paralysis and death if left untreated. Most people have a tetanus vaccination and booster doses as part of a routine health check every few years.
If exposed to bacteria as a result of cuts caused by sharp or rusty objects, a booster dose of the tetanus vaccine is necessary to prevent future infections. Call the doctor to see if you need it
Method 4 of 4: Treating Wound Stitches and Staples
Step 1. Sew or staple the wound with the help of a medical professional
If your wound is deep, wide, or unevenly sided, your doctor may decide to stitch it up (also called sutures) or apply staples to heal it. When the doctor sutures or staples the wound, he will first clean it and administer an injection of anesthetic around the wound. After the wound is stitched, the doctor will cover the wound with a bandage or gauze.
- Sutures to the wound are made with a needle and surgical thread to join the edges together. This thread may be absorbed by the body and dissolve over time, or it may not be absorbed by the body and must be removed after the wound has healed.
- Staples used in wounds are special surgical staples with the same function as sutures and must be removed like non-absorbable sutures.
Step 2. Treat the area around the wound carefully
You'll need to treat the stitches or staples to make sure the wound heals properly and doesn't become infected. To do so:
- Keep the stitches or staples dry and covered with a bandage for a few days. The doctor will tell you the time it will take, usually around 1-3 days according to the type of suture and the size of the wound.
- If it gets wet, gently clean the stitched or stapled wound with soap and water while showering. Do not immerse the wound under water, such as by bathing or swimming. If exposed to too much water, wound healing will be hampered and infection occurs.
- After cleaning the wound, pat it dry and apply an antibiotic ointment. Wrap a bandage or gauze unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Step 3. Avoid activities or sports that can cause sores to hurt for at least 1-2 weeks
The doctor will tell you the exact timeframe. The sutures can tear, causing the wound to reopen. Call your doctor if this happens.
Call your doctor if you have signs of infection (such as fever, redness, swelling, or discharge of pus)
Step 4. Visit the doctor again after the wound has healed
Non-absorbable sutures and staples usually need to be removed 5-14 days after insertion. Once removed, be sure to protect the scar from the sun with sunscreen or cover it with clothing. Ask if there are lotions or creams your doctor recommends to help heal scars.
