Plagë

Plagë is the Albanian term for a wound or injury to body tissue caused by external trauma. It can involve the skin and underlying structures and may result from cuts, punctures, scrapes, blunt impact, or penetrating injuries. Wounds vary in size, depth, and severity, and they may be simple or contaminated by dirt or bacteria.

Wounds are commonly categorized by mechanism and depth. Superficial scrapes or abrasions affect the skin surface, while cuts or incisions break the skin more deeply. Puncture wounds are caused by pointed objects and can hide foreign material. Blunt trauma may cause contusions or crush injuries. Some wounds, such as animal bites or gunshot injuries, carry higher risks of infection or other complications and often require professional evaluation.

First aid and initial management aim to stop bleeding, prevent infection, and promote healing. Basic steps include applying direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage, cleaning the wound with mild soap and water or sterile saline, and covering it with a sterile dressing. Avoid scrubbing the wound or using harsh irritants. For deeper or heavily bleeding wounds, wounds near the eye or joint, or wounds with a foreign object embedded, seek medical care promptly. Tetanus vaccination status should be reviewed in cases of certain dirty or deep wounds.

When to seek professional care: signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever), worsening pain, numbness, loss of function of the affected area, or wounds that do not stop bleeding. Special attention is often required for bites, contaminated wounds, or wounds on the face, hands, or joints.

Prevention focuses on safety and protective measures to reduce the risk of injury in daily activities. Proper wound care knowledge and timely medical advice are key to favorable outcomes.