How should I care for someone with a closed wound?

Many closed wounds, like bruises, do not require special medical care.

• To care for a closed wound, you can apply an ice pack to the area to decrease bleeding beneath the skin.
• Applying cold also can be effective in helping to control both pain and swelling.
• Fill a plastic bag with ice and water or wrap ice in a wet cloth and apply it to the injured area for periods of about 20 minutes.
  
  
  
  • Place a thin barrier between the ice and bare skin.
  • Remove the ice and wait for 20 minutes before reapplying.
  • If the person is not able to tolerate a 20-minute application, apply the ice pack for periods of 10 minutes on and off.
  • Elevating the injured part may help to reduce swelling; however, do not elevate the injured part if it causes more pain.
• Do not assume that all closed wounds are minor injuries. Take the time to find out whether more serious injuries could be present.
• With all closed wounds, help the person to rest in the most comfortable position possible. In addition, keep the person from getting chilled or overheated.
• It also is helpful to comfort and reassure the person.
• Be sure that a person with an injured lower extremity does not bear weight on it until advised to do so by a medical professional.