Medications
Skin grafts - this is a section of epidermis and dermis that has been totally separated from blood supply, donor site, before being transplanted to another area of the body. The cover the wound, promote healing, and minimize scarring. A graft should be considered if the wound is extensive and is unable to be sutured. Another factor would be psychological issues with the person.
Debridement - The removal of unhealthy tissue to promote healing. Can be done by surgical, chemical, mechanical, or autolytic removal of tissue
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Tylenol
- Aleve
- Aloe
- Honey - helps with healing
- Calendula tincture -
- Silver nitrate solution - has the ability to penetrate eschar, antimicrobial activities, and adverse event profiles
Skin grafts - this is a section of epidermis and dermis that has been totally separated from blood supply, donor site, before being transplanted to another area of the body. The cover the wound, promote healing, and minimize scarring. A graft should be considered if the wound is extensive and is unable to be sutured. Another factor would be psychological issues with the person.
- Split level - this is when only the top two levels of skin are removed (epidermis and dermis). It is used to cover large areas and may be fragile and have shiny or smooth appearance. May also appear more pallor than surrounding skin because it does not grow with that skin.
- Full thickness - this involves removing the muscles and blood vessels as well as the top layers of the skin. This is used for smaller wounds, such as on the face. They blend well within the skin and do grow with the individual.
Debridement - The removal of unhealthy tissue to promote healing. Can be done by surgical, chemical, mechanical, or autolytic removal of tissue
- Surgical - this is used for large wounds that have deep tissue damage or if wound is especially painful. Used in emergent situations. The doctor will cut away the dead tissue. The wound will be washed out to remove any free tissue. The skin can be transplanted or completely cut away in order to make a graft.
- Chemical - medication is applied to wound. A dressing covers the wound and removes the dead tissue. For example, silver nitrate.
- Mechanical - this can involve a variety of methods including whirlpool bath, syringe and catheter, or wet to dry dressing.
- Autolytic - uses dressings that hold the fluids of wound in the wound to assist in the body's natural defense of cleaning the wound out. For example, the same type of dressing is used to treat pressure sores. It is not used for infections or quick treatment. This is good for people who cannot physically handle more painful treatments.