Injuries and Wounds: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Injuries and Wounds?
A primary care doctor treats most minor injuries, cleaning and closing cuts, checking healing, and removing stitches. Serious problems may need a specialist, such as an orthopedic doctor or a surgeon. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are injuries and wounds?
An injury is damage to the body caused by an accident, a fall, a hit, or a burn. A wound is a break in the skin, such as a cut, a scrape, or a puncture. Some are minor and heal at home. Others need medical care right away.
What it is
A wound can be open, with broken skin, or closed, with tissue underneath hurt. Open wounds include cuts, scrapes, and punctures; closed injuries include bruises, sprains, and strains.
Symptoms
Open wounds often bleed, hurt, swell, and look red. A bruise turns the skin purple, blue, or yellow over days. Sprains and strains cause pain and swelling. Redness, warmth, pus, or fever signal infection.
Causes and who gets it
Most injuries come from falls, sports, car accidents, sharp objects, and hot surfaces. Children and older adults fall more often.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor asks what happened and examines the area, checking movement, nerves, and blood flow. If a fracture is possible, an X-ray may be ordered.
Treatment
Minor cuts and scrapes are cleaned with water, covered with a bandage, and kept clean as they heal. Deeper cuts may need stitches. Sprains improve with rest, ice, and elevation. Doctors may suggest pain relievers or a tetanus shot if the wound is dirty.
When to see a doctor
Seek care if a wound bleeds heavily and will not stop after firm pressure, if the edges gape open, or if it came from an animal bite. Numbness, signs of infection, or a possible broken bone also need a visit. Emergency rooms handle deep wounds, heavy bleeding, large burns, and head, eye, or chest injuries.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor is paid a flat monthly fee instead of insurance billing; a concierge doctor works similarly but usually charges more. They offer longer, easier-to-schedule visits and can refer serious injuries to a specialist.
Common questions
Should I use hydrogen peroxide on a cut?
Doctors generally advise cleaning wounds with plain running water and mild soap. Hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol can damage healthy skin and slow healing. Covering the clean wound with a bandage is usually the better step.
How do I know if a cut needs stitches?
Cuts that are deep, have edges that pull apart, keep bleeding, or are on the face may need stitches. A doctor can tell for sure after an exam. Getting a cut checked within the first several hours gives the best chance of closing it properly.
When should I get a tetanus shot after an injury?
Tetanus is a serious infection caused by bacteria that live in soil and dust, and it can enter through wounds. Doctors often recommend a tetanus booster if the wound is deep or dirty and the patient has not had a booster in many years. A doctor can check your history and advise what is right for you.
Can I remove my own stitches?
No, stitches should be removed by a doctor or nurse. Removing them yourself can reopen the wound or cause infection. The timing for removal depends on where the wound is. Your doctor will tell you when to come back.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
