Wunde

Wunde is the German word for wound or injury. In medical and everyday language, it refers to any disruption of the skin or mucous membranes caused by trauma, surgery, or disease. The term is widely used in German-speaking regions and appears in clinical notes, patient information, and first aid guidelines.

Wounds are commonly categorized as open or closed. Open wounds involve a break in the skin or mucous membranes, such as abrasions, incisions, lacerations, puncture wounds, or avulsions. Closed wounds do not break the skin but involve tissue damage under the surface, such as contusions, hematomas, or crush injuries. Wounds are also described by depth: superficial (limited to the epidermis), partial-thickness, or full-thickness wounds that extend through deeper layers. Contamination and infection risk are important considerations in wound assessment.

Healing occurs in stages: hemostasis to stop bleeding, inflammation to control infection, proliferation to rebuild tissue, and maturation or remodeling to restore strength. Factors influencing healing include blood supply, tissue type, infection, oxygenation, nutrition, and comorbid conditions such as diabetes. Chronic wounds, including venous ulcers or diabetic ulcers, may require specialized care.

Treatment generally begins with controlling bleeding, cleaning the area with clean water, and applying a sterile dressing. Avoid certain irritants or harsh antiseptics for routine care. Medical advice is advised for deep, large, or heavily contaminated wounds, wounds near joints or on the face, or in individuals with tetanus or immune compromise. Signs of infection—redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever—warrant professional evaluation.