Traumatic wounds are regularly encountered in the emergency department. It is important to document important historical information such as the mechanism, timing, and location of injury, and the degree of contamination. Associated symptoms of pain, swelling, paresthesias, and loss of function should be identified. Ascertain factors that affect wound healing, such as the patient's age, location of injury, medications, chronic medical conditions (eg, diabetes, chronic renal failure, or immunosuppression), and previous scar formation (keloid). Patients with the sensation of a foreign body are much more likely to have retained a foreign body. Patient characteristics of handedness, occupation, tetanus status, and allergies (eg, to analgesics, anesthetics, antibiotics, or latex) should be documented. When caring for wounds, the ultimate goal is to restore the physical integrity and function of the injured tissue without infection.