Types of Skin Injury

• Cuts, lacerations, gashes and tears are wounds that go through the skin to the fat tissue. Caused by a sharp object.
• Scrapes, abrasions, scratches and floor burns are surface wounds that don't go all the way through the skin. Scrapes are common on the knees, elbows and palms.
• Bruises are bleeding into the skin from damaged blood vessels. Caused by a blunt object or any injury, such as a sprain. They can occur without a cut or scrape.

When Sutures (Stitches) are Needed for Cuts

• Any cut that is split open or gaping needs sutures. Paper sutures or staples can sometimes be used.
• Cuts longer than ½ inch (12 mm) usually need sutures.
• On the face, cuts longer than ¼ inch (6 mm) usually need to be seen. They often need closure with sutures or skin glue to avoid scarring.
• Any open wound that may need sutures should be seen as soon as possible. Ideally, they should be checked and closed within 6 hours. Reason: to prevent wound infections. There is no cut-off, however, for treating open wounds.
• Do not delay getting the wound cleaned and treated.

Cuts Versus Scratches: Helping You Decide

• The skin is about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick.
• A cut (laceration) goes through the skin.
• A scratch or scrape (wide scratch) doesn't go through the skin.
• Cuts that gape open at rest or with movement (such as cuts over a joint, like the knee) need stitches to help them start to heal and prevent scarring.
• Scrapes and scratches never need stitches, no matter how long they are. So this difference is important.

When to Call for Scrape

Care Advice for Minor Skin Injuries

Cuts, Scratches and Scrapes - Treatment:

• Use direct pressure to stop any bleeding. Do this for 10 minutes without taking the pressure off or until the bleeding stops.
• Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. Try to rinse the cut under running water.
• Caution: never soak a wound that might need sutures (stitches). Reason: it may become more swollen and harder to close.
• Gently scrub out any dirt with a clean washcloth.
• Dry with a clean towel. Do not use cotton balls or tissue. They will stick to the wound.
• Use an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin). No prescription is needed. Then, cover it with a bandage. Keep dry and change the dressing daily.

Liquid Skin Bandage for Minor Cuts and Scrapes:

• Liquid skin bandage seals wounds with a plastic coating. It lasts up to 1 week.
• Liquid skin bandage has many benefits compared to other bandages. Liquid bandage only needs to be put on once. It seals the wound for faster healing and lower risk of infection. Also, it's waterproof.
• Use for any small break in the skin. Examples are paper cuts, hangnails and cracks on the fingers or toes.
• Wash and dry the wound first. Then, put on the liquid skin. It comes with a brush or swab. It dries in less than a minute.
• You can buy this at a drugstore. There are many brands. No prescription is needed.

Bruises - Treatment:

• Use a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth. Put it on the bruise once for 20 minutes.
• Caution: avoid frostbite by wrapping the ice pack in a cloth. Do not put ice directly onto the skin.
• After 48 hours, use a warm wet wash cloth. Do this for 10 minutes 3 times per day. This helps heal the bruise.

Pain Medicine:

• To help with the pain, take an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
• Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil). Ibuprofen works well for this type of pain.
• Use as needed, but do not take more than the maximum recommended dosage as listed on the package.
• If you are not sure what to take, ask a pharmacist.

Tetanus Shot:

• A tetanus booster may be needed for cuts and open wounds.
• Check your vaccine records to see when you got the last one.
• For Dirty Cuts and Scrapes. If last tetanus shot was given more than 5 years ago, need a booster.
• For Clean Cuts. If last tetanus shot was given more than 10 years ago, need a booster.
• See your doctor for a booster during office hours or if you are not sure whether a shot is needed. It's safe to get one within 3 days or less.

What to Expect:

• Small cuts and scrapes heal in less than a week.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Bleeding does not stop after using direct pressure to the cut
• Starts to look infected (pus, redness, swelling, increasing pain)
• Doesn't heal by 10 days
• You think you need to be seen
• Your symptoms get worse

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.




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