What type of wound do you have?

We have all had the experience of doing an everyday activity and being injured. You feel the "Ouch!" of pain and see the wound on your hand, arm, or leg. You search for your first aid kit and begin to treat the wound. If all goes well, the wound heals normally and in a reasonable amount of time. Sometimes the wound does not hear right away and you may need additional medical attention.

Most of the wounds we experience are known as acute wounds. These type of wound normally heal within 14 days, depending on the type, severity, and size of the injury.

Common types of acute wounds include:

• Cuts that can occur when using a sharp-edged object such as a knife, scissors, or tool.

• Scrapes that happen when the grandkids are running around the yard and one of them takes a tumble and skins a knee.

• Punctures from stepping on a nail or poking your fingertip with a sewing needle.

• Fractures from a fall or an accident.

We recommend seeking immediate medical treatment for any of these acute wounds if you are under a doctor's care and are taking prescription medication.

You may also experience a complex/difficult wound. This type of wound does not heal after 30 days despite first aid and additional care from a medical professional. 

Common types of complex/difficult wounds include:

• Pressure ulcers, pressure injuries, or bedsores are areas of skin damage caused by a lack of blood flow. The skin in the area can die and leave an open sore or ulcer.

• Diabetic foot ulcers are an open wound on the foot. They commonly occur when bleeding developed beneath a callus. As the callus wears away, deeper tissues of the foot are exposed. 

• Ischemic (is-key-mick) ulcers or arterial ulcers can occur when there is poor blood flow in the legs. Ischemic means reduced blood flow to an area of the body.

• Venous ulcers typically occur because of damage to the valves inside the leg veins. If the blood pressure inside your leg veins doesn't fall as you're walking, the condition is called sustained venous hypertension. 

These types of wounds require specialized care by a trained wound care professional.

United Solutions Wound Care LLC

4095 South Highland Drive, Holladay, UT 84124

Phone: (385) 302-7722

Email: client.relations@uswc.care

© 2025 United Solutions Wound Care LLC. All Rights Reserved.