Any tear, scrape, or cut in the skin is considered a wound. There are many types. Abrasions are wounds in which the outer layer of the skin has been rubbed or scraped off. Lacerations are cuts through the skin.
Puncture wounds are cuts made by round, sharp objects such as needles or nails.
Most wounds take 2 to 6 weeks to heal. Using stitches also reduces the amount of scarring. You may need a tetanus shot if you have not had one in the past 5 to 10 years. If the bandage gets wet and you need to change it, unwrap it slowly and carefully. If it sticks and starts to hurt, use water to loosen it gently.