Superficial Wounds and Scars

It is not unusual to get a scrape or cut simply by living out our daily routines. Catch the corner of your desk, break a glass in the kitchen or stumble over a stone on the sidewalk and just like that, you’re trying to stop the bleeding—and perhaps wondering if your fresh wound will turn into a permanent blemish.

A wound doesn’t need to be deep or severe to leave a long-lasting scar—a permanent patch of skin that closes around an open wound as the body heals. Scars usually fade over time but never go away completely. Many factors play a role in scar formation, including how prone you are to scarring, where your cut or scrape is located on your body, how you cared for the wound initially, and if the exposed area developed an infection. Even if you care for a wound perfectly, you may still be left with a scar.

If you notice any of the following signs after an injury to your skin, see a doctor immediately:

• Expanding redness around the wound
• Yellow or greenish-colored pus, or cloudy wound drainage
• Red streaking, spreading from the wound
• Increased swelling, tenderness, or pain around the wound
• Fever

There are many reasons you may receive a cut or scratch. It may result from an accidental injury or violence, such as a dog bite. A surgical incision or health problem like an acne breakout or diabetes may cause the body to develop wounds. In addition, aging can contribute to wounding more easily because the skin is more thin and fragile than in that of younger people.

If you are unhappy about a scar that does not fade, an expert Riverchase provider can help. The treatment plan customized for you may include topical retinoids, chemical peels, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, dermal fillers or laser resurfacing.

Note: If your wound is bleeding severely or the bleeding can’t be stopped after 10 minutes of pressure, if you cannot feel the injured area, or if you are seriously injured, call 911 for emergency help.