Common Skin Conditions -- Skin Injury
Although many skin conditions are chronic, skin injuries tend to be temporary because of the skin’s amazing regenerative powers. However, some serious skin injuries may leave lasting marks or permanently alter the tone, texture, or thickness of the skin. Also, skin injuries may heal slowly or not at all in people with certain medical conditions.
Examples of skin injuries that may heal on their own include blisters, minor burns, bruises, cuts and scrapes, and minor puncture wounds.
When skin is injured, immune cells rush to the site to remove debris, invading pathogens, and dead and damaged skin cells. A blood clot forms over the area, forming a protective scab. Skin cells manufacture new collagen and connective tissue to fill in the wound.
A scar may form depending on the location and severity of the wound, how well it is cared for, and the tendency the injured person has toward scarring. Healing time can be affected by the age of the injured individual as well as his or her medical and health status.
Most cuts and scrapes heal on their own; however, wounds that are very painful, show signs of infection (redness, swelling, warm to the touch), or extend deeply into the skin, such as severe burns or deep puncture wounds, require medical evaluation and treatment.
