Crushing wounds and flesh wounds are caused by blunt objects and lacerations by irregularly sharp objects.
Flesh wounds are typically found on parts of the body with little padding between the skin and bones, e.g. on the head or shinbone.
Crushing wounds, flesh wounds and lacerations do not have smooth wound margins but ragged wound margins. Discoloration (haematoma) is often seen with crushing or flesh wounds. This is caused by haemorrhaging into the surrounding tissue. In the case of lacerations, the surrounding tissue is normally not as extensively damaged.
All three types of wound have one thing in common: the high risk of infection through ragged wound margins. The risk of infection is higher in lacerations, as the objects causing the injury are often soiled.
All typical, more or less extensive crushing and flesh wounds as well as lacerations should be treated by a physician. You should only treat very small superficial crushing and flesh wounds or lacerations, which do not gape, yourself. Disinfect the wound and apply a plaster.
