Spital Männedorf

What it is about

The human skin is an important organ that protects us from environmental influences and plays a role in metabolism, thermoregulation and immune response. With age, the elasticity and tear resistance of the skin decreases. This is favored by drugs such as cortisone, which leads to the typical vulnerable parchment skin. For this reason, skin injuries occur more frequently in older people, even in minor accidents. The treatment of these wounds can be challenging depending on their severity and requires patience and experience.

Types

Skin injuries are classified according to the location, size and depth of the wound and the mechanism of origin. The most common injury is the so-called lacerated contusion wound, which occurs in bruises and has very different degrees of severity. In contrast, superficial cuts are usually easier to treat. Other types of injuries include puncture wounds, leather burns, burn wounds and chronic wounds or ulcers. Fresh wounds are usually easier to treat than older wounds.

Symptoms and consequences

Wounds can have a wide variety of effects and consequences depending on their type, location and size. Accompanying injuries in the depth of the wound are often decisive for the treatment and further prognosis. Superficial wounds must also be treated quickly and professionally to avoid infections and prevent chronicity of the wound or disturbing scarring.