by Mikha Canon | Apr 21, 2015 | First Aid
Blisters defined as a fluid collection beneath the epidermis, the top layer of the skin, but above the dermis, the layer underneath the epidermis. A blister primarily forms because of friction or when two surfaces rub against each other, wherein one surface is the skin. The pressure and rubbing against the surface of the skin irritates the skin leading to a blister. Blisters are also called bleb or bulla. There is no need for medical care when it comes to managing blisters as they can be managed at home with proper first aid taught in First Aid Classes. However, when a blister is painful or makes walking difficult, it may be best to seek medical care. Causes of Blisters Blisters can be found anywhere in the body but are usually found in the hands and feet because these are the areas that are most prone to pressure and rubbing, which are the primary causes of getting a new blister. Wearing uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes or even a new pair of shoes Using a hammer, a shovel or riding a bike Holding on to bars for a long period of time Lifting heavy weights Burns Reaction to drugs Contact with irritants, such as in cases of contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis Skin diseases, such as chicken pox and impetigo First Aid Treatment for Blisters It is not generally recommended to pop blisters are they may result to an infection. The skin over the fluid acts as a protection from bacteria. Therefore, if the blister is not causing much pain, keep it intact. If the blister is not too painful, keep...
by Mikha Canon | Mar 6, 2014 | Featured, First Aid
An avulsion injury is a serious injury that occurs when a soft tissue is forcibly torn away, either partially or completely. The organ commonly affected by this kind of injury is the skin. Medically speaking, an avulsion injury usually refers to surface trauma where all skin layers have been torn away, thus uncovering its underlying structures, such as, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, tendons, or even bones. It is likened to an abrasion, except in its more severe form, as body parts can be partially or fully detached from the body. Avulsion injury is typically caused by trauma. Types of Avulsion Injury There are different types of avulsion injury. These types are the general locations where an avulsion injury can occur, which include: Skin (most common) Ear Eyelid Nail Tooth Nerve (brachial plexus) Periosteal Surgical Causes of Avulsion Injury There are many possible causes for an avulsion injury. These are usually by severe trauma to the skin: Human and animal bites Gunshot wounds Stab wounds Crush injuries Falls, especially those against jagged surfaces Severe burns Motor vehicular collisions and accidents, especially those involving dragging incidents Signs and Symptoms of Avulsion Injury The signs and symptoms of any avulsion injury is dependent on the location and the nature of the injury Minimal to severe bleeding Puncture wounds A body part may be partially or completely removed Mild to severe pain Crushed body tissue First Aid Management for Avulsion Injury First aid treatment and management will depend on the type of avulsion injury. However, the utmost priority is to reduce pain and discomfort of the patient. The following is the general recommendation in...
