Abrasion on Elbow (3 Days Old) This abrasion near the elbow occurred 3 days ago. The picture shows an abrasion that is starting to crust over.
There are no signs of infection (e.g., spreading redness, pus).
Laceration - Chin This photo shows a gaping laceration (cut) of the chin. It will require closure with either sutures or with skin glue (i.e., Dermabond).
First Aid Care Advice:
- Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding.
- Wash the cut with soap and water.
- Cover with a gauze dressing or adhesive bandage (e.g., Band-Aid).
Impetigo of Elbow The photo shows an abrasion of elbow that has become infected with bacteria.
Laceration - Scalp This scalp laceration (cut) is gaping open. It will require closure with sutures or medical staples.
First Aid Care Advice:
- Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding.
- Wash the cut with soap and water.
Laceration - Scalp (After Staples) This photo shows a scalp laceration after it has been closed with 4 metal medical staples.
Laceration - Chin (After Skin Glue) The photograph shows a chin laceration that was closed with skin glue (i.e., Dermabond).
Dermabond (2-octylcyanoacrylate, Ethicon) is a tissue adhesive or "skin glue" which received FDA approval in the United States in 1998. It is used as an alternative to suturing for the repair of simple lacerations. The cosmetic outcome of wounds closed with tissue adhesive is comparable and in some cases superior to suturing.
To apply, the wound edges are held firmly together, and several coats of the glue are painted along the wound margins. The glue dries quickly, within 45-60 seconds. The glue will come off on its own as the wound heals and the top skin layer falls off, usually in about one week.
Bruise on Thigh (1 Day Old) This bruise is one day old.
Bruises (contusions) result from a direct blow or a crushing injury; there is bleeding into the skin from damaged blood vessels without an overlying cut or abrasion.
Abrasion on Elbow This picture shows a shallow abrasion on the left elbow.
First Aid Care Advice for Minor Abrasion:
- Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding.
- Wash the abrasion with soap and water.
- Gently scrub out any dirt with a washcloth.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment, covered by a Band-Aid or dressing. Change daily.
- Another option is to use a Liquid Skin Bandage that only needs to be applied once. Avoid ointments with this.
Laceration - Scalp This scalp laceration (cut) is gaping open. It will require closure with sutures or medical staples.
First Aid Care Advice:
- Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding.
- Wash the cut with soap and water.
Scratches from a Cat The photo shows 3-4 parallel scratches on the wrist caused by a cat.
First Aid Care Advice:
- Wash the scratches with soap and water.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment twice daily.
- Watch closely for signs of infection, especially the first 1-3 days.