Understanding Wounds and Infections

Front

What is a wound?

Back

A wound is any type of injury that breaks the skin. It can be caused by a cut, scrape, puncture, or burn. Some wounds are minor, while others can be deep and serious.

Front

What causes an infection?

Back

An infection happens when bacteria, dirt, or other germs get into a wound and start growing. This can cause redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus. Not cleaning a wound properly or touching it with dirty hands can increase the risk of infection.

Front

What is a clean wound and give an example?

Back

A clean wound is one that has little to no risk of infection because it was properly cleaned and covered. An example would be a small cut from a kitchen knife that is washed with soap and water and covered with a bandage.

Front

What is a dirty or infected wound and give an example?

Back

A dirty or infected wound is one that has bacteria or debris in it, increasing the chance of infection. An example would be a deep scrape from falling on the pavement that wasn’t cleaned properly and later becomes red, swollen, and starts oozing pus.

Front

List 3 risk areas for infection in the body.

Back

1. Hands and fingers (because they touch many surfaces and can carry germs) 2. Feet (especially if walking barefoot and stepping on something sharp) 3. Around the mouth or face (because bacteria from the mouth or environment can enter a wound)

Front

Explain how doctors may close a wound.

Back

Doctors may close a wound using stitches (for deep cuts), staples (for larger wounds), or skin glue (for smaller, straight cuts). They do this to help the wound heal faster and reduce scarring.

Front

Explain why doctors may choose not to close a wound.

Back

Doctors may leave a wound open if there is a high risk of infection, such as with animal bites, dirty wounds, or deep punctures. Leaving the wound open allows drainage and helps prevent trapped bacteria from causing an infection.