Damage to the skin causes bleeding and pain. Sometimes an infection can develop in a skin injury. After an injury has healed, there may be a scar there, and then the skin is a little hard and white. Injuries can also cause a keloid, i.e. a raised and thickened scar with pain.
The skin consists of several layers. Damage to the epidermis is usually uncomplicated and it is typical that these only go a millimeter into the skin. When the damage goes down into the leather, it will cause bleeding and pain, and will usually heal with scars. Skin damage can have a number of causes. Cuts are usually "clean" and will heal easily. Bite injuries from animals can also be infected with bacteria, and may require close follow-up by a doctor and antibiotic treatment. Scrub wounds can produce unclean wounds with, for example, sand and asphalt particles in the wound, and these should be cleaned carefully as this can give a natural tattoo with lasting color in the skin.
For superficial wounds, plasters or bandages are sufficient. This will help to keep the wound calm, protect it from becoming easily infected with bacteria and provide a warm and slightly moist environment which is usually beneficial. In addition, you can consider using an over-the-counter wound salve that can help clean the wound. As a general rule, wounds should not have too much movement, and too frequent wound changes, washing and changing of bandages is usually not beneficial. Larger skin injuries should be sutured. As a rough rule, one can say that bleeding wounds over 1 cm should usually be closed with stitches. Ideally, a skin injury should be stitched within a couple of hours, because if it takes more than a day, the wound has become infected and closure of the wound is usually late. Acute wound treatment with suturing is typically carried out in the emergency department. Stitches are removed after 5-7 days on the face, and after 10-20 days elsewhere on the body. Tetanus vaccination may be relevant to give a connection with skin damage.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
