Skin Injury
Not all skin injuries are cuts and scrapes. Heat, friction and pressure can cause skin injuries like burns, sunburn and blisters. A burn is a traumatic skin injury caused by a heat source like scalding liquid or a hot pot, a radiation source like the suns rays, an electrical source like open wiring or a chemical source like acid. Depending on the severity of the burn, treatment can include wound care and pain management, skin grafting, intravenous fluids or cosmetic surgery. Some burns can form blisters, which actually act as a protective, fluid-filled buffer for damaged skin. Blisters also form from skin conditions like eczema and friction sources like ill-fitting shoes. Keeping the area clean with antibiotics and a dressing or bandage is usually enough to heal a blister.
Recently Answered
- Q How should I treat skin damage on the top of my foot?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyDamage to the skin on top of the foot will usually look like a redness or swelling of the skin. You can help to mend the skin and relieve pain by using ice and NSAID pain relievers. If your pain does not leave within a few days, you should talk to your... Full Answer
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- Q What type of scarring can I expect with a burn injury?
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There are different types of scars that may occur with a burn. Keloid scars are caused by an overproduction of scar tissue. The pink or tan keloids commonly thicken and grow beyond the burn injury. Keloids commonly are raised with a dome-like top and can... Full Answer
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- Q How do I treat exercise-related blisters on my feet?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyHere's the first rule in treating a blister: If at all possible, don't pop it. A blister acts as a natural bandage over skin damaged by friction. It's best to leave a blister intact until the skin heals. Gently wash the blister with mild soap,... Full Answer
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- Q What causes scars?
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Scars are caused by any type of injury to the skin. It can be a thermal injury such as a burn, or laceration or cut on the skin. Scars on the skin can also be the result of ionizing radiation. Full Answer
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- Q What are the different kinds of scars?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThere are four main types of scars: Keloid scars are raised and fleshy scars that protrude beyond the site of injury on the skin. Contracture scars are sometimes deep scars that can occur from burns and may cause the skin to tighten. In some... Full Answer
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- Q How should I change a wound dressing?
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To change a dressing, you will need supplies. These may include a no-sting skin barrier film, skin prep, tape, medicine, non-sterile gloves, adhesive remover, gauze sponges or pads, sterile normal saline, gauze wrap or dressing, scissors, other... Full Answer
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- Q Are there any foods that can help my wound to heal?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyIf you have a wound that is going to take time to heal, your doctor may recommend that you eat foods high in Vitamin C and protein. Foods high in Vitamin C and protein include green leafy vegetables, meat, eggs, fish, whole grains and citrus... Full Answer
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- Q How are lacerations (cuts) treated?
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Treatment involves stopping the bleeding, cleaning and dressing the wound. Deeper cuts may need stitches to stop bleeding and reduce scarring. Full Answer
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- Q What is a laceration (cut)?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyLaceration is the medical term for a cut -- that is, a tear or opening in the skin. Minor cuts may be treated at home by washing the cut with mild soap and water, applying pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding, and applying... Full Answer
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- Q Why do head wounds bleed more than others?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyWounds on the face, head and mouth tend to bleed the most because there are many blood vessels in that area. You can help stop the bleeding by applying firm pressure on the cut with a cloth for 20 to 30 minutes. If the bleeding persists, get... Full Answer
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