Skin Problems And Sports
What is an 'abrasion'?
In sports medicine, abrasions are scrapes. They can be superficial or full-thickness scrapes like road rash that skaters, skateboarders and bicyclists can get.
How are abrasions treated?
The way abrasions are treated depends on the depth of the abrasion. Certainly cleaning the area with soap and water, removing any debris, and then a clean, dry dressing is the way to go. For deep abrasions, or full thickness road rash, sometimes it requires use of Silvadene ointment, or Xerform gauze and treat it much like a skin graft.
What are 'lacerations'?
A laceration is a cut through the skin. It can be a minor laceration which is small, or a deep laceration that goes through multiple layers of dermis or into the muscle. A laceration is longitudinal, and is a cut through the soft tissues.
How should 'lacerations' be treated?
Lacerations need to be treated depending upon their depth, length and severity. They should all be cleansed immediately. Stop bleeding with direct compression over the area, and then a decision has to be made whether it needs to be sutured or not.
