Skin Wound
by
Sarah J. Kerr, BA 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 possible causes include: Risk FactorsThere are different risk factors for each type of skin wound. Some examples of risk factors:
SymptomsBesides the obvious damage to your skin, you may also have:
DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Your wound will be examined. Depending on the type of wound, your doctor may stage it. This means the doctor will assign a level that describes how serious the wound is. This will help decide how it should be treated. TreatmentYour treatment will depend on the type of wound and how severe it is. Options include: Self-careMinor wounds can be treated with self-care, but bites should be evaluated by a doctor. To take care of your wound:
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. If you have skin glue on a wound, you will need to keep the area clean and dry. SuturesSutures are used for deep, bleeding wounds. These wounds may have jagged edges that are otherwise difficult to close. In deep wounds, stitches may be needed under the skin before the wound can be closed. These stitches will be absorbed by your body. Your doctor may ask you to come back to remove stitches on the surface of your skin. Keep the area clean and dry. 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. MedicationsYour doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to treat or prevent infection. You may also be given an antibiotic ointment to put on the wound. Depending on how you got your wound, you may need a tetanus or rabies vaccine to prevent infections. You may also need them if they are not up to date. If your wound is severe, your doctor may also prescribe a pain medication. PreventionThere are many causes of skin wounds. Often, they may be due to accidents, which can be difficult to prevent. To help reduce your chance of getting a skin wound, take these steps:
RESOURCES:American Academy of Dermatology https://www.aad.org Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://familydoctor.org References:
Laceration management. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated October 25, 2016. Accessed September 30, 2016.
Lacerations. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated March 2017. Accessed December 14, 2017.
Mammalian bite. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116837/Mammalian-bite
. Updated October 27, 2017. Accessed December 14, 2017.
Pressure ulcer. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116231/Pressure-ulcer
. Updated October 27, 2017. Accessed December 14, 2017.
Pressure ulcers. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated July 2017 2017. Accessed December 14, 2017. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Marcie L. Sidman, MD Last Updated: 12/14/2017 |
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