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A skin tear occurs when the skin’s layers separate or get peeled away. Skin tears can happen as the result of blunt trauma, like bumping into something or hitting something. They also happen as the result of friction, like when skin is rubbed too harshly; for example: during vigorous washing or drying of the face or body – or putting clothes on too roughly.
This type of wound is more likely to occur to people with thin or fragile skin; therefore skin tears are more common in newborn babies, the elderly and those with chronic illness.
When treating a skin tear the biggest goals are to save the skin flap (if possible); protect the surrounding skin tissue; bring the separated edges of skin back together without overstretching them; and to secure the site of the skin tear, protecting the wound from getting infected or injured further.
When treating a skin tear or gash wound it is important to keep the wound as clean and as dry as possible. Here are the steps you should follow to treat a skin tear:
You can help prevent the likelihood of skin tears with the following precautions:
If a skin tear is left untreated it can lead to various complications including pain, infection, sepsis and cellulitis. Additionally, if a skin tear remains untreated or is not properly treated it will delay the wound from healing properly, which will add to healing time.
Skin tears can be complicated and should be treated as soon as they happen. They may require a doctor’s treatment – especially if you suspect infection. Skin tears should heal within a month; if a skin tear takes longer than one month to heal it is considered to be a chronic skin tear and, again, should be looked at by a doctor.
In Orange County, Wound Care OC is the preeminent source for the very best professionals and resources for treating skin tears, gash wounds, and others types of wounds including diabetic ulcers, pressure wounds, bedsore wounds, burns, C-section wounds, post-surgical wounds, and more. Regardless of how your skin tear has occurred or how advanced it is, we can get you moving toward the best possible outcome. We have helped many patients to a complete recovery from this difficult health challenge, and have the confidence to guide you as well. Call our office today, and we can schedule you for an initial evaluation. You will be glad you did.
California
We at Wound Care OC are committed to helping you overcome any chronic and non-healing wound, with an easy recovery.
(833) 700 – 0998
1533 E 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701
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