International Multiprofessional Expert Consensus on Acute Minor Wounds: A Practical Decision Framework

Acute minor wounds are among the most common injuries encountered in daily life, affecting individuals of all ages and frequently managed in home, pharmacy and primary care settings. Despite their high prevalence and potential for preventable complications, most recommendations focus on chronic or complex wounds, leaving a gap in practical, evidence-informed guidance for acute minor wounds. This international consensus convened wound care professionals from four continents to develop a pragmatic framework for assessing and managing acute minor wounds across community settings. Based on a structured literature review and a modified e-Delphi process, the panel produced statements and operational decision tools to support triage, self-management, reassessment and referral. The consensus delineates boundaries between simple and complex wounds according to depth, contamination, anatomical location, host factors and expected healing trajectory; identifies red flags for escalation; and uses 10 common wound types as practical anchors. Core principles include haemorrhage control, cleansing, protection, moisture balance, tetanus assessment, infection prevention and communication with people with wounds. This consensus provides a practical and internationally adaptable guide for the safer management of acute minor wounds, aiming to reduce avoidable complications, delays in escalation and unnecessary healthcare utilization.