Body parts such as fingers and toes can become severed (amputated). Also, tissue may die because blood flow has been cut off by rings or other constricting devices. Rings sometimes cut off blood flow when parts of the body near the ring swell, often as the result of an injury. Show
Amputated body parts, if properly preserved, can sometimes be reattached in the hospital. To prolong tissue life, the severed part should be put in sterile gauze or a damp paper towel or washcloth and then placed inside a sealed, dry plastic bag. The bag should then be put in another bag or container with water and ice. Dry ice should not be used. The severed part should not be placed directly in water.
An injured finger will probably swell. Thus, if a ring is on an injured finger, it should be removed as soon as possible, before swelling develops. Similarly, any other object that encircles a body part must be removed before the body part swells. Sustained, gentle traction can be used to remove rings. Soap and water may reduce friction, easing removal. Otherwise, prompt medical care is needed. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Fingertip injuries and amputations. orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/fingertip-injuries-and-amputations. Updated July 2016. Accessed October 9, 2020. Rose E. Management of amputations. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts & Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 47. Switzer JA, Bovard RS, Quinn RH. Wilderness orthopedics. In: Auerbach PS, Cushing TA, Harris NS, eds. Auerbach's Wilderness Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 22.
First aid for abrasionsAn abrasion means that the surface layers of the skin (epidermis) has been broken. Thin-skinned bony areas (like knees, ankles and elbows) are more prone to abrasions than thicker, more padded areas. The scraped skin of an abrasion can contain particles of dirt. First aid treatment includes:
First aid for incised woundsIncised wounds are caused by sharp objects, such as knives or shards of glass, slicing into the skin. Depending on the injury, underlying blood vessels can be punctured, leading to significant blood loss. A severed artery is a medical emergency, because the muscular action of this blood vessel will pump the entire blood supply out of the wound in just a few minutes. First aid treatment for severe bleeding includes:
Tetanus-prone woundsSome wounds are more likely to encourage the growth of tetanus bacteria than others, unless the person is immunised against tetanus. If it is more than five years since your last dose, you may need a booster. You should see your doctor without delay. Stages of healingThe body begins repairing a wound immediately and the process may continue for days, weeks, months or even years, depending on the injury. The basic stages of healing include:
Treatment for cuts and abrasionsSome wounds are too large for the body to seal without help. Your doctor will decide whether or not a wound requires stitching or gluing. General suggestions to take care of a stitched wound include:
Factors influencing wound repairTraumatised skin heals at different rates, depending on individual and environmental factors, which include:
Where to get help
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