chapter 8. Skin injury
AM Byrne and A Byrne
ABRASIONS AND LACERATIONS
Abrasions are shallow wounds where the top layers of skin are scraped off but the wound does not extend far beneath the surface of the skin. They are usually caused by falls on to a hard surface, scraping the hands, elbows and knees (Fig. 8.1).
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| Fig. 8.1 (Courtesy of Ms Eilis Fitzgerald.) |
Lacerations are deep cuts that may require stitches to heal properly. They occur when the skin is penetrated by a sharp object or when the skin is crushed against a bony edge, such as the cheekbone. Cuts that continue to bleed after 15 minutes of direct pressure, extend deep into the skin or have gaping edges may require stitches (Fig. 8.2) (Red Zone injury).
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| Fig. 8.2 (Courtesy of Ms Eilis Fitzgerald.) |
Treatment
• Wear protective gloves
Green zone
• Remove all dirt and foreign material in the wound
• Wash with mild antiseptic creams and soap and warm water
• Use of antibacterial ointment is optional
• Apply dry adhesive dressing
• Return to play
Amber Zone
• If difficulty bringing wound edges together, wound may need paper stitches and dressings
• Use ice pack to relieve immediate pain and swelling
• The player can return to play after appropriate treatment
• If the player has never had a tetanus injection or it is more than 10 years since his last injection, see doctor after play for treatment
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