Post on 28-Dec-2015
transcript
Caring for Skin Wounds Skin wounds are extremely common in
sports Soft pliable nature of skin makes it
susceptible to injury Numerous mechanical forces can result
in trauma Friction, scrapping, pressure, tearing,
cutting and penetration
WOUND DRESSINGS Definitions
A bandage is a strip of cloth or other material used to hold a dressing in place
A dressing is a material, such as gauze, that is applied directly to a wound
WOUND DRESSINGS A bandage, when properly
applied, can contribute greatly to the healing process
When improperly applied it can… Cause discomfort Allow wound contamination Hamper wound healing
WOUND DRESSINGS In ALL cases bandages must be
firmly applied. Care should be taken not to
hamper circulation by applying too tightly or allowing the dressing to move by applying too loosely
WOUND DRESSINGS As we have already learned, skin
lesions are very common in sports It is important that these wounds be
cared for immediately All wounds, even minor ones,
should be considered to be contaminated
WOUND DRESSINGS The wound must be cleansed,
medicated, and dressed Dressings require a sterile
environment to prevent infections
WOUND DESCRIPTONS Since we have already discussed
these earlier, just be reminded of the wound types most often dealt with in sports medicine… Abrasions Puncture Wounds Lacerations Incisions Avulsions
Types of wounds Abrasions
Skin scraped against rough surface Top layer of skin wears away exposing numerous
capillaries Often involves exposure to dirt and foreign materials =
increased risk for infection Laceration
Sharp or pointed object tears tissues – results in wound with jagged edges
May also result in tissue avulsion Incision
Wounds with smooth edges
Puncture wounds Can easily occur during activity and can be
fatal Penetration of tissue can result in introduction
of tetanus bacillus to bloodstream All severe lacerations and puncture wounds
should be referred to a physician Avulsion wounds
Skin is torn from body = major bleeding Place avulsed tissue in moist gauze (saline),
plastic bag and immerse in cold water Take to hospital for reattachment
Immediate Care Should be cared for immediately All wounds should be treated as though
they have been contaminated with microorganisms
To minimize infection clean wound with copious amounts of soap, water and sterile solution Avoid hydrogen peroxide and bacterial
solutions initially
Are sutures necessary? Deep lacerations, incisions and
occasionally punctures will require some form of manual closure
Decision should be made by a physician Sutures should be used within 12 hours Area of injury and limitations of blood
supply for healing will determine materials used for closure
Physician may decide wound does not require sutures and utilize steri-strips or butterfly bandages
TETANUS Tetanus (aka “Lockjaw”) is an acute
disease causing fever and convulsions Tetanus bacteria enters the body as a
spore and attacks the CNS Most people are immunized against
tetanus in childhood After 10 years, a booster should be
taken
TETANUS If there has never been a
tetanus immunization, then one should be given at the time of injury
If there was an immunization, but no recent booster, then one should be given
Wound Care Materials Gauze
Used in 3 forms Sterile pads for
wounds Non-sterile pads
for padding Roller bandage to
hold and compress dressings
Wound Care Materials Cotton cloth
Used primarily for ankle wraps and triangular bandages
Elastic roller bandages Can be used for
wounds, but used more often for muscular support
Wound Care Materials Plastics
Playing an increasingly important role in sports medicine
Come in a number of forms… Aerosol sprays to protect wounds Adhesive tapes Plastic coated gauze pads
(commonly known as “Telfa Pads”)
Plastics are useful because they can hold in or keep out moisture, provide insulation, and prevent infection
Wound Care Materials Wound cleansers
Hydrogen peroxide not highly
recommended anymore because it can damage living tissues
Povidone-Iodine More commonly
referred to as Betadine or Beta Scrubs
Good ol’ soap and water
Wound Care Materials Cotton tipped
applicators & tongue depressors Used to apply
medications, clean wounds, etc.
Adhesive strips “Bandaids” Come in numerous
sizes and styles
Wound Care Materials Medications
1st Aid creams Bacitracin/Triple
Antibiotics Strawberry ointment
Steristrips Used to close a
wound, or hold a wound closed after stitches are removed
Also known as a “butterfly closures”
Wound Care Materials Tincture of Benzoin
Compound A sterile adhesive liquid often
used in combination with steristrips or other dressings to hold them in place
Cover strips Adhesive gauze material now
being used to help protect skin wounds and abrasions from being further injured during games/practices
The 8 Basic Uses for Dressings and Bandages
Protect wounds from infection Protect wounds from further injury and
contamination Control external and internal bleeding Act as a compress over exposed and
unexposed injuries Immobilize and injured part Protect an unexposed injury Support an injured part Hold protective equipment in place
Common Types of Bandages Used in Sports Medicine
Roller bandages Made of many materials such as gauze,
cotton cloth, and elastic wrapping Width and length may vary depending on the
use Most frequent sizes include lengths of 6-10 yards Common widths are 2”, 3”, 4”, and 6”
The size of the wrap used is determined by the body part that you are wrapping