An open wound is a break in the structure of an organ or tissue. It is usually caused by something that is outside the body and it mostly affects the skin. Wounds include minor cuts, scrapes or puncture wounds. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, minor wounds can be easily treated at home. However, an animal bite or a wound that is greater than 1/2-inch long requires immediate medical attention. Most wounds heal easily, however, some can cause complications. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, complications of open wounds include infection, keloid scar tissue formation and gangrene.
Infection
According to University of Maryland Medical Center, infection is a complication that may occur with an open wound. This may cause the wound to become red, tender and painful. It may also begin to produce pus. Medline Plus says that wounds that are more likely to become infected include animal bites, puncture wounds, crushing injuries and dirty wounds. It goes onto say that wounds on the feet and the ones that are not properly treated are more likely to get infected.
Keloid Scar Tissue Formation
According to University of Maryland Medical Center, keloid scar tissue formation is a complication of open wounds. A keloid is an abnormal scar. It is thicker than the rest of the skin. It also has a different color and texture than the rest of the skin. According to Medline Plus, these scars extend beyond the wound. Their thick and puckered appearance makes them look like a tumor. These require surgery which is called scar revision. In case of a keloid, scar revision involves removal of the keloid at the place where they meet the normal tissue.
Gangrene
According to University of Maryland Medical Center, gangrene is another complication of open wounds. Gangrene is a form of infection that causes the tissues to die or decay. According to MayoClinic.com, open wounds are at a risk of developing gas gangrene, which is an infection caused by the bacteria Clostridium perfringens. It usually occurs when the blood supply to the wound gets depleted. The infection from the bacteria leads to the production of toxins that release gas. This is why it is called 'gas gangrene'. It can cause tissue death. If allowed to worsen, the part of the body with the gangrene may require to be amputated. It can also be life threatening to the individual.
