ferita

Ferita is a wound or injury referring to disruption of the skin or mucous membranes caused by physical trauma or surgical intervention. The term is used in Italian to denote a wound; related Romance languages have similar terms, such as ferida in Portuguese and herida in Spanish. Wounds range from minor surface abrasions to deep lacerations and can be open (skin breached) or closed (soft-tissue injury without an open surface).

Common types include abrasions, lacerations, incisions, punctures, and crush injuries. Causes include blunt or sharp trauma, animal bites, surgical procedures, burns, and pressure ulcers. Risk factors for slower healing include diabetes, poor blood flow, malnutrition, infection, advanced age, and immune suppression.

Healing proceeds through stages: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation with granulation tissue and re-epithelialization, and remodeling. Time to heal depends on depth, location, vascular supply, infection, and systemic health.

Complications to watch for are infection, cellulitis, abscess, wound dehiscence, chronic non-healing wounds, and, in burns, scar contractures.

First aid and medical care: For significant bleeds apply firm, direct pressure until bleeding stops. Clean the wound with clean water or saline and remove loose debris if possible; avoid aggressive scrubbing or irritants. Cover with a sterile dressing. Seek medical evaluation for deep, contaminated, or facial wounds, wounds near joints, bites, or in persons with diabetes or immunosuppression. Check tetanus vaccination status.

Treatment considerations: Healthcare providers may debride, close with sutures or adhesive strips when appropriate, apply dressings, and prescribe antibiotics or tetanus prophylaxis as indicated.