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About Skin Scrapes Article
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Effective Management Of Scrapes And Bruises
Accidents are the main cause of scrapes and bruises. Everyone gets them, especially children when they are playing or learning a new skill and elderly people.
Elderly people can get scrapes and bruises from simply bumping into a table because their skin is thinner which makes it tear easier. Scrapes occur when the skin is broken, generally because a bony area came into contact with a rough surface.
Bruises, which are sores that do not break the skin, are formed when blood cells seep from injured veins into the surrounding skin tissue. Most of the time scrapes and bruises happen when an accident or fall occurs.
Avoid Infection Of Scrapes And Bruises
Any time the skin is torn or cut, as can happen when scrapes and bruises occur; there is a chance for infection. Regardless of whether professional medical treatment was provided or they received first aid treatment at home, preventing infection is essential.Avoiding infection of scrapes and bruises is easy provided the area where the skin was torn is cleaned immediately then kept clean and dry until it heals. When it comes to scrapes, clean the wound immediately, then apply an antibacterial ointment. Cover the wound with sterile gauze.
Keep the injured area dry and clean. If the dressing becomes soiled or wet, change it immediately; otherwise change it once a day until the wound heals. For bruises that are not due to skin punctures or cuts, applying an antibacterial ointment and covering the bruise is not necessary.
The best way to deal with a bruise is to elevate the part of the body the bruise is on and apply ice with a firm pressure immediately. The ice will help the veins constrict, which will reduce the flow of blood into the skin tissue. This can help to minimize the bruising.
Be Aware Of The Signs Of Infection For Scrapes And Bruises
Signs of infection include redness and swelling. Another way to tell if a bruise is infected is by a feeling of pain and extreme pressure where the bruises are.This type of infection, known as compartment syndrome, requires immediate professional medical care because it is potentially life-threatening. Compartment syndrome happens when the increased pressure on the soft tissues beneath the skin cause a decrease in the supply of vital blood and oxygen to the tissues where the bruise is.
Effective management of scrapes and bruises after they occur is possible. Proper first aid treatment and follow up care will help prevent infection of minor scrapes and bruises.
For serious injuries, professional medical care is essential. For minor scrapes and bruises, the most effective management is proper first aid treatment at home.