There are many types of wounds, most of which are easy to treat by cleaning the wound and covering it with a sterilized bandage. However, some injuries may require medical care or even stitches.

It is essential to visit a doctor in any of the following cases:

• There is excessive bleeding.
• The wound is due to an animal bite.
• There is a foreign body inside the wound.
• The wound lies over a joint, ligament, or tendon.
• There is a gap between the two edges of the wound.
• The wound is in a sensitive area, such as the genitalia.
• The wound is deep and exposing the inner layers of the skin.
• The wound is contaminated or caused by rusty or dirty objects.
• The wound is in a cosmetically significant area, such as the face.

If the wound requires specialized medical care, the following precautions must be taken:

• If the wound contains a foreign body, don't remove it, as it may be stuck in the wound, obstructing the bleeding. The removal could cause excessive bleeding.
• Wounds caused by dirty or rusty objects and animal bites need tetanus shots (except for children less than 10 years old and adults who have received a tetanus booster shot within the last 10 years). Antibiotics are also highly recommended to avoid infection.
• In cases of wounds with excessive bleeding, apply pressure over the wound, elevate it upwards, and seek immediate medical care.