There is a subtle difference between wounds and injuries. Injuries are any damage caused to the body by an external agency while wounds are injuries involving rupture of tissues due to an external mechanical agency rather than a disease. However, in common parlance, both are used together to mean a damage caused to the body by an external, physical agency.

Injuries and wounds can occur while at play, work or at home. The skin serves as a protective layer for the human body. As it is thin, in cases of trauma, the skin often ruptures leading to wounds. Injuries that do not cause wounds are possible and can do serious damage to internal organs. When the body is injured, it responds by symptoms of heat, redness, pain, swelling, and edema of the affected area. While at play, one may fall and suffer from cuts and skin abrasions. Medically, a wound is classified as minor if it is a flesh wound, does not occur close to the natural orifices, causes only minor bleeding, and is not caused by a tool or an animal. Wounds not caused as mentioned above are classified as severe and need a doctor’s examination.

Wounds are classified as open and closed based on whether the wound causes the skin to rupture or not. Open wounds consist of incisions, abrasions, lacerations, punctures, penetration and gunshot wounds. Closed wounds such as contusions, hematoma, and injuries caused by crushing can be just as severe.

Treatment of a wound begins by giving first aid, if a doctor cannot be reached immediately. First aid involves stopping blood flow and cleaning the wound to ensure that skin or other affected parts are not infected. Doctors are trained to treat wounds and injuries and hence no time must be wasted in taking their help in case of an accident. One must always have access to phone numbers of emergency medical services whether living in his own city or while traveling to a different place.