First aid and minor wounds

Puncture

a small hole made by a sharp object

Abrasion

Scrape of the skin due to something abrasive

Laceration

a cut, tear

Superficial burn

a burn that involves only the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin.

It is characterized by reddening of the skin and perhaps some swelling.

An example is a sunburn.

Also called a first-degree burn.

Superficial partial thickness

epidermis, upper part of dermis

There are breaks in the skin; Pain, edema, erythema, possible drainage, non-blanching, possible blistering

Blanching

When you press down on your skin, the skins turns white

Deep partial thickness

Burns to the epidermis and most of the dermis

Also called 2nd degree burn

No BLISTERING, less blanching

Full thickness

third degree burn, contains the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layer

Subdermal skin injuries

Injuries to the muscles and bone

4 Phases of Wound Healing

1. Hemostasis (Blood clots to prevent blood loss)

2. Inflammation

3. Proliferation

4. Maturation

What factor may impair wound healing? Select all that apply

•Advanced age

•Stress

•Malnutrition

•Tobacco

•Immunocompromised conditions

Advanced age

Stress

Malnutrition

Tobacco

Immunocompromised conditions

Acute burns and wounds last for how long

30 days or less

Chronic burns and wounds last for how long

30 days or more

Exclusions for self-care for wounds and burns

•Chemical, electrical, or inhalation burns

•Big burns, such as circumferential burns and >3 inches in diameter

•Wound secondary to animal or human bite

•Infection or contains foreign matter

•Face, hands, feet, major joints, genitals, or perineum

•Pre-existing medical conditions that may complicate management or recovery, eg diabetes mellitus

•Chronic wound (=no healing/improvement in 30 days)

Deep partial thickness and full thickness burns, as well as deep lacerations

•Worsens or does not show signs of improvement at day 7

What is the first line treatment for wounds, burns and sunburns

Rinse with clean, cool tap water

Do not use ice could water

What should be done with dead skin and blisters

Leave them alone, do not rupture them or attempt to remove them

Are topical antiseptics recommended to cleanse wounds

Unclear evidence for use in open wounds and burns and wound healing

Can be used, but water should always be used

Examples of topical antiseptics

•Chlorhexidine (Example Hibiclens)

•Hydrogen peroxide

•Povidone-iodine (Example Betadine)

What are the benefits of using a moisturizer after cleansing the wound

Stimulates cell proliferation and migration of epithelial cells

Minimize scarring, infection and pain

Gauze

a thin translucent fabric of silk, linen, or cotton. Used for bleeding. Should be used with a moisturizer

Adhesive bandage

Band-aids, etc. Should be used with a moisturizer

Hydrocolloid dressing

promote wound healing by creating a moist environment, protecting the wound, and reducing the risk of infection

Do not use if already infected

Transparent adhesive film

Air can reach the wound but fluids and microbes cannot. Not used for drainage. Used for wound observations.

Avoid if would is infected

Liquid adhesive bandage

seal wounds, reduce the risk of infection, and help wounds heal.

Do not use if already infected

Should creams or ointments be recommended for open wounds

Creams

Example of Cream Moisturizers

CeraVe, Aquaphor

Should creams or ointments be used for intact burns

Ointments

Example of ointments for intact burns

Vaseline

What are typical antibiotics indicated for?

Prevention of infection, not for the treatment of infection

What type of products are the gold standard for preventing scarring?

Silicone products

Examples of silicone products

ScarAway

UVA

Type of UV radiation that causes aging

UVB

•Most active in causing erythema and sunburn

•Synthesizes vitamin D3 in skin, but UVR exposure should not be used as a source of vitamin D due to the associated risks per the American Academy of Dermatology

UV Index

a scale from 0-10 that provides an indicator of how intense UV radiation will be. Sun protection methods are recommended for any UV index score of 3 and over.

Exclusions of care for sunburns

•Allergy to all sun protectant ingredients

•Age < 6 months

What are the 3 qualities we look for in sunscreen

Broad Spectrum (UVA and UVB)

SPF of 30 or higher

Water resistant

How often should sunscreen be reapplied

2 hours

How much sunscreen should be recommended for the average adult

2 Tablespoons (30 mL)