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Causes & Health Information
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Some Basics...
- Abrasion: This is the medical term for scraped skin. This happens when an injury scrapes off the top layer of the skin. Examples are when people "scrape" their elbow or "skin" their knee. Pain is usually mild. This can usually be treated at home. Making certain the wound is clean is the most important thing.
- Contusion: This is the medical term for bruise. It is caused by a direct blow to the skin and muscles. The skin is not broken, there is no cut. The bruised skin may first look red, then purple, and finally orange-yellow. These skin color changes are from blood that leaked from tiny torn blood vessels in the bruised area. The skin may also be swollen. Pain is usually mild to moderate. Bruises are tender to touch. Most often this can be treated at home. A cold pack can help reduce the pain and swelling.
- Cut - Superficial: Superficial cuts (scratches) only extend partially through the skin and rarely become infected. A scratch is an injury to the skin made by a sharp edge. For example, scratches can be caused by fingernails, a sharp nail, a piece of metal, or a branch of a tree or bush. A paper cut is a scratch from the edge of a piece of paper. This can usually be treated at home. Making certain the wound is clean is the most important thing.
- Cut - Deep: Deep cuts (lacerations) go through the skin. A laceration is caused by cutting the skin with the sharp edge of an object. This can happen from a knife, a razor, a piece of glass, or the sharp edge of a piece of metal. Making certain the wound is clean is very important. Stitches may be needed.
When Are Stitches Needed?
- Any cut that is split open or gaping most likely needs stitches. Cuts longer than 1/2 inch (12 mm) most often need stitches. On the face, cuts longer than ¼ inch (6 mm) most often need stitches.
- A doctor should look at any open wound that may need stitches. A doctor should be seen regardless of the time passed since the injury.
When Can Liquid Skin Bandage Be Used?
Liquid skin bandage has many benefits when compared to a regular bandage. Liquid skin bandage can be used for small shallow cuts. It can also be used on scratches and scrapes. It only needs to be put on minor cuts and scrapes once. It helps stop minor bleeding. Liquid skin bandage seals the wound and may help it to heal faster. It also lowers infection rates. It also costs more than adhesive bandages (Band-Aids).
- Instructions: After the wound is washed and dried, spray or swab on the liquid. It dries in less than 1 minute and most often lasts a week. You can bathe as normal.
- Examples: Band-Aid Liquid Bandage, New Skin, Curad Spray Bandage, and 3M No Sting Liquid Bandage Spray.
What is Tetanus?
- It is a rare infection caused by bacteria found in places like dirt and soil. These bacteria enter through a break in the skin. They then spread through the body.
- Tetanus is often called "lock jaw." The first symptom is a tightening of the muscles of the face. The final stage of the infection is much more serious. All of the body and breathing muscles go into severe spasm. A person with a tetanus infection can lose the ability to breathe. Even with treatment in a hospital, a person can die from tetanus.
- A tetanus shot protects a person from getting tetanus. It can also protect a person from other kinds of infections.
When Does an Adult Need a Tetanus Shot?
- Clean Cuts and Scrapes: Tetanus shot needed every 10 years. People with clean wounds who have had a full series (3 or more shots) will need a booster every 10 years. Minor wounds include a surface scrape or a cut sustained while washing dishes. If a shot is needed, get it within 72 hours.
- Dirty Cuts and Scrapes: Tetanus shot needed every 5 years. People with dirty wounds need a booster every 5 years. Dirty wounds include those contaminated with soil, feces, and saliva. They also include more serious wounds from deep punctures, crushing, and burns. Get a shot within 72 hours. When in doubt, assume that the wound is dirty.
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