Error: This is required. Error: Not a valid value. If you have a serious wound with bleeding, a broken bone, a serious burn, a significant head injury or an injury from a fall, call an ambulance on triple zero Cuts, grazes and lacerations are all examples of wounds.
A wound is a break or damage to the skin's surface. Lacerations are a deep cut or tear of your skin — they usually have irregular jagged edges. Grazes are also known as abrasions. They are superficial surface injuries to the upper layer of your skin. Sometimes wounds may appear due to not moving enough or because of diseases of your veins, arteries or nerves. These types of wounds are called sores and ulcers. You should also see a doctor if you have any signs of infection. You can read more about infection below.
You can speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on the best medicine for you. Antiseptic creams are not necessary. Your doctor may give you antibiotics to prevent the wound from becoming infected. If you have diabetes, seek advice from your doctor or healthcare professional about caring for wounds. In people with diabetes, wounds on your feet may go unnoticed due to a loss of feeling called neuropathy. These wounds may heal more slowly due to poor blood flow and infection.
You should also see a doctor or nurse for a tetanus immunisation within a day if you have had a cut or abrasion and any of the following apply:. For activities such as sport, gardening, and crafts, be sure to wear protective gear and clothing such as:. As your wound heals it may form a scab. Avoid picking the crust as this can cause scarring and infection — it will fall off by itself.
All wounds can scar. Scars look red or purple in colour and thick at first but will fade to become thin and a paler colour over time. Sometimes a scar can heal in a way that makes the scar bigger than the original cut or injury. It can become thick, raised, shiny and darker in colour than the surrounding skin, forming a keloid scar. A keloid scar can happen when the skin makes too much collagen.
