Skin Wound
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionA skin wound is damage to the surface of the skin. Types of skin wounds include:
CausesThere are many different causes of skin wounds. Some common causes are: Risk FactorsThere are different risk factors for each type of skin wound. Some examples are:
SymptomsThe main symptom is damage to the skin. A person may also have bleeding and pain. DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. The wound will be examined. This is enough to make the diagnosis. TreatmentTreatment will depend on the type of wound and how severe it is. Options are: Self CareMinor wounds can be treated with self care, such as:
Skin Closure StripsSkin closure strips are adhesive strips that can be used to bring the edges of a minor wound together. This will help the wound heal and keep it clean. They may be used for wounds that are clean, have straight edges that line up well, and are easy to push closed. Skin GlueSkin glue is used to hold a wound together and allow it to heal. It is most often used on the face, arms, legs, and torso. SuturesSutures are used for deep, bleeding wounds that may have jagged edges that are hard to close. Stitches may be needed under the skin before the wound can be closed. These stitches will be absorbed by the body. The stitches on the surface of the skin will need to be removed after the area has healed. StaplesStaples are best for wounds on the scalp, neck, arms, legs, torso, and buttocks. The wound edges are closed and lined up. The staples are placed along the wound. Hair TyingHair tying may be used for scalp lacerations. Hair is gathered in a way that pulls the wound shut. The hair is then held together with a rubber band or skin glue while the wound heals. Skin GraftsSkin grafts may be used when the skin around the wound is too damaged to heal together. This may happen with pressure sores or after skin has been removed in surgery. Skin grafts take healthy skin from another area of the body. This healthy skin is then placed over the wound. MedicationsMedicine may be given to lower the risk of infection. Depending on the type of wound, a tetanus or rabies vaccine may also be given. Pain medicine may also be given. PreventionSkin wounds are often due to accidents. These are hard to prevent. To lower the risk:
RESOURCES:American Academy of Dermatology https://www.aad.org Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://familydoctor.org References:
Laceration management. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/management/laceration-management. Accessed September 16, 2021. Lacerations. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/lacerations-and-abrasions/lacerations. Accessed September 16, 2021.
Mammalian bite. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/mammalian-bite. Accessed September 16, 2021.
Pressure injury of the skin and soft tissue. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/pressure-injury-of-the-skin-and-soft-tissue. Accessed September 16, 2021.
Pressure ulcers. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/pressure-ulcers/pressure-ulcers. Accessed September 16, 2021. Last reviewed July 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mary-Beth Seymour, RN Last Updated: 9/16/2021 |
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