Thinking that this may be true makes sense, as it is easy to assume that a wound may be the more painful the deeper it is. However, just the opposite can be the case. Due to the large number of nerve fibres located just under the top layer of our skin the epidermis superficial abrasions or burns will often cause more pain than a cut that may happen when working in the kitchen or workshop. Any deep puncture wounds or cuts that bleed severely should always be cared for by a doctor!
Many people tend to apply a plaster in the acute phase of the injury only, that is, just until the bleeding has stopped. Then the plaster is removed and discarded as quickly as possible in order "to let the wound breathe". Scientific studies have shown, that in most cases wound healing will proceed better and without complications if the wound is protected with a plaster until they have healed completely.
This is a myth that seems to originate from pirate and adventure novels. Even if many of us would love to believe this romantic theory: we are afraid to have to tell you that it is complete nonsense. What many people do not consider is that sea water may be severely contaminated, especially near those coast stretches - with a variety of highly unsavoury germs or chemicals "swimming" in it. Both of which would contribute significantly to the risk of an infection and can delay wound healing.
In addition, contact with water will swell the skin, which may affect the process of wound closure. In this case, bacteria and germs may easily enter the wound and the risk of wound infection would be increased dramatically. We all know the feeling: some time after an injury, the affected area will begin to tingle and itch.
This goes especially for superficial wounds. And yes — in fact, this itching may indicate that the healing process is well on its way. Also called the hemostasis stage, this is the point that the injury occurs. Your body responds to the injury by activating an outpouring of blood, lymphatic fluid, and coagulation clotting to stop the loss of blood.
This is the beginning of the repair process. It starts immediately after the injury occurs and typically lasts up to six days. Your body sends white blood cells to combat harmful bacteria at the wound site, swelling at the wound site starts and the skin begins the repair process. Commonly lasting anywhere from one to four weeks, the proliferative stage is also known as the granulation stage or tissue-regrowth stage. This is where you can see the signs of skin repair: scabs protecting the new skin cells that are growing.
Also referred to as the maturation phase or remodeling stage, this stage can last from three weeks to four years. During this stage, the scab falls off as the new tissue gains strength and flexibility and collagen fibers form scars. When your skin has been cut, your first step in wound care is to wash the wound with warm water and a mild soap. Aside from cleaning, this might alleviate some of the itch and irritation. There are a few steps you can take to reduce the itch, but patience is what you really need.
The culprits also must be present in sufficient quantity at a location in the wound where a sufficient quantity of its cognate receptor also must be located. Moisture level, pH, and signaling associated with tissue tension may all contribute to itch.
People with epidermolysis bullosa simplex frequently have itchy wounds. In contrast, people who have venous ulcers do not typically have itch in their lesions and the ulcers in people with leishmaniasis do not itch. These conditions provide templates for the study of pruritoceptive itch. Likewise, the neuropathic itch that develops and persists after the healing of some surgical incisions or burns can provide a template for the study of itch versus non-itchy lesions in these conditions.
The application of the increasingly powerful approaches of proteomic and metabolic profiling to itchy and non-itchy wounds, healing and healed scars, and burns may allow for the determination of the relevant mediators. These data can then be used to develop therapies that are targeted to itch. In the interim, the treatment of wound itch is supportive rather than targeted. The simplest approaches are to maintain a balance of a clean wound along with a moist environment.
Sign in. Podiatry Today. Today's Wound Clinic. Symposium on Advanced Wound Care. Current Research. Online Exclusives.
PolyNovo Video Library. Journal Description. Editorial Board. Submission Information. Contact Us. Advertising Opportunities. Subscribe to E-News. Start Print Subscription. Renew Print Subscription. Ethan Lerner. Keywords itch. Physiology of Itch. Basic and clinical investigators are making impressive progress in deciphering itch mechanisms and pathways Figure ; this progress will ultimately lead to targeted therapies. In the interim, it is important to appreciate that the impact of itch on quality of life is equivalent to that of pain.
Patients may be reluctant to broach the topic, thinking they are the only ones with the problem or the caregiver will not appreciate the impact of itch. When this happens, the patient often turns to complementary or alternative medical approaches. These may be of benefit in some patients; in others, they may lead to worsening of the itch or delayed wound healing due to allergic reactions or the presence of foreign material at the site.
It is further classified as pruricep-tive when arising in the skin; neurogenic when associated with a systemic condi-tion, such as cholestasis or chronic renal failure; neuropathic when the pathology is associated with afferent nerve pathways, including the itch of postherpetic neural-gia, diabetic neuropathy, or as a result of a surgical procedure; and psychogenic when associated with a psychiatric condition.
Submit Feedback. Email Address. Wound care can be complicated and may include cleaning and dressing the area. Scratching an itchy wound could cause it to break open and delay healing. Some ways to relieve stitch itch include:. For more severe wounds and itching, or wounds that take a long time to heal, your doctor may have to try:.
You might think that scratching, or even a gentle rub, will help relieve your itch. But scratching stitches or any other healing wound can disrupt the healing process. Delicate new layers of tissue can easily be ripped apart, forcing you to return to earlier healing stages.
This will make your wound take even longer to heal, further prolonging your itch, and possibly leading to complications like chronic wounds or infections. Not all wound closures — like dissolving stitches or surgical glue — require removal. Sometimes, excessive itching can be a sign of a complication in your wound healing. Necrotic tissue, infection, excessive fluid buildup, and more can all lead to increased itching and problems with wound healing. Stitches are meant to help improve healing for deep wounds or incisions and speed up the natural tissue building process.
Sometimes, however, stitches can complicate matters, especially if you scratch them open and complicate the wound. Home remedies and over-the-counter or prescription medications can help as your incision or wound heals.
There are many different types of sutures, just like there are many different kinds of procedures and injuries. Sutures are used to close wounds and….
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