Wound depth is classified by the initial level of tissue destruction evident in the wound: superficial, partial-thickness, or full-thickness (Bolton and van Rijswijk, 1991). Superficial wounds involve only the epidermis, partial thickness wounds involve only epidermis and dermis, and full thickness wounds involve the subcutaneous fat or deeper tissue.Before any medical or paramedical evaluation or intervention is attempted an open wound is considered as minor if it is superficial, away from natural orifices; there is only minor bleeding and not caused by a tool or an animal. Any other wound should be considered as severe. In case of severe open wounds, there is a risk of blood loss which could lead to shock and an increased chance of infection as bacteria may enter a wound from surrounding tissue, air etc. Due to the risk of infection, wound should be kept clean, and closed if possible until professional help is available.
Closed wounds have fewer categories, but are just as dangerous as open wounds. The types of closed wounds are contusions - (more commonly known as a bruise) - caused by blunt force trauma that damages tissue under the skin. Hematoma - (also called a blood tumor) - caused by damage to a blood vessel that in turn causes blood to collect under the skin. Crushing Injuries - caused by a great or extreme amount of force applied over a long period of time.
Wounds are also classified as, wounds without tissue loss (e.g. in surgery, cuts, incisions etc.,) and wounds with tissue loss, such as burn wounds, wounds caused as a result of trauma, abrasions or as secondary events in chronic ailments eg: venous stasis, diabetic ulcers or pressure sores and iatrogenic wounds such as skin graft donor sites and dermabrasions.
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