A wound is any break in the skin ranging from a simple, everyday cut or scrape to intentional surgical incisions and more serious accidents.1 Wound healing is the process of repairing damaged skin or tissue and begins as the injury occurs.
Selecting the right dressing starts with understanding the type of wound being treated. Information below explains the different causes of wounds and which dressings will support your wound healing.
Skin abrasions, also known as skin scrapes, grazes, or even “road rash”, are superficial wounds caused by skin rubbing against a rough surface. They usually don’t cause significant bleeding but should still be cleaned and protected. Try our Mepilex® Border Flex Lite for abrasions.
Blisters occur when fluid fills spaces between layers of skin, forming when repeated rubbing occurs against the skin. Often found on the feet or hands due to wearing tight shoes or working with hard objects such as rakes or shovels, blisters can be painful or itchy, but if minor, treating a blister at home is an option. Try our Mepilex® Border Flex Lite for blisters.
Burns are skin and tissue damage, typically resulting from hot liquids, excessive sun exposure, fire, and chemical or electrical contact. They’re a common household injury and treating a minor burn at home is an option. Severity of the skin burn is not based on the cause, but on factors such as heat intensity and time in contact with skin. Try our Mepilex® Border Flex for burns.
Cuts, also known as lacerations, are breaks or openings in the skin caused by external injuries. They can be superficial on the skin’s surface or deeper. Common causes include falls, broken glass, and knife or razor accidents. Cuts typically cause bleeding and may be treated at home if minor. Try our Mepilex® Border Flex for cuts.
Skin tears may look like large cuts or scrapes and often occur to those with fragile skin. They may be totally open or have a skin flap partially covering the wound. They’re often caused from bumping into hard objects, vigorous skin washing and friction from items rubbing against skin. It is important to use wound dressings specifically designed for skin tear treatment of fragile skin. Try our Mepilex® Border Flex for skin tears.
Surgical incisions result from operations and are typically closed using stitches / sutures, glue or tape depending on the site and depth of the cut. These incisions are made for a variety of procedures from minor dermatological surgeries and laparoscopies to larger procedures such as c-sections and hip and knee surgeries. Physicians will send patients home with care instructions post-surgery, both to help the incision heal and help prevent surgical wound infections. Try our Mepilex® Border Flex Lite for surgical incisions.
1. In This Together” Issue 1 Aug 2023, pages 6 & 10, Molnlycke Healthcare.
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