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Skin trauma is a term used to describe injuries or wounds to the skin caused by external forces. Common examples include cuts, scratches, abrasions, puncture wounds, bite wounds, burns and bruises.

Cuts are skin injuries that result from sharp objects breaking or opening the skin. Scratches (injuries that result from sharp objects scraping along the skin surface) and abrasions (scrapes that result from the skin being rubbed away) are also examples of common wounds. Puncture wounds, which also occur frequently, result from a narrow and pointed object, such as a nail, piercing the skin.

When treated properly and promptly, minor wounds usually heal quickly and without complications. Wounds that are severe can lead to extensive blood loss (due to breaks or tears in the blood vessels beneath the skin's surface), infection or injury to deeper structures such as the nerves, tendons or blood vessels. In order to prevent complications, people should take the necessary first aid steps.

Teeth can also injure the skin. Animal and human bites can cause a range of injuries, from surface scratches to major wounds. It is important for people who have been bitten to receive proper medical treatment because bites frequently become infected. Infection is common because the mouths of animals and humans are full of potentially harmful bacteria and sometimes viruses.

Burns occur when the skin comes into contact with a heat source (e.g., fire, radiation, chemical, electrical) that damages its surface and sometimes the underlying tissues. Burns range in severity from first degree (less serious) to third degree (most serious). Serious burns require immediate medical attention to prevent complications. Infection is a serious risk after a bad burn.

Also known as a black-and-blue mark or a contusion, a bruise is another type of skin injury. Characterized by discoloration of the skin, bruises occur when injury causes the blood vessels under the skin to break and leak red blood cells into the soft tissues.

In some cases, a severe wound will require stitches. Stitches are used to minimize both scarring and the risk of infection. Wounds with jagged edges, or edges that gape open, are often closed with stitches. During the procedure a physician sews the sides of a wound together so it can heal properly. Skin adhesive is an alternative to stitches. A glue-like film, skin adhesive is sometimes applied to small, narrow, nonjagged wounds to hold the edges of the wound together.

It is recommended that patients with skin trauma monitor injuries for signs of infection. Common signs of infection include redness, warmth, pus and fever. If infection is suspected, a physician should be contacted.

Patients should also contact their physician if they are due for a tetanus shot. Tetanus is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Tetanus vaccines are standard among children, with a booster given around age 12. After that, boosters are recommended every 10 years for adults. Patients with clean and minor wounds may require a tetanus shot if they have not had at least three doses prior to their injury or have not had a dose in the past 10 years. People with more serious wounds, such as those that are deep or dirty, may require a tetanus shot if they have not had a dose in the past five years. Tetanus boosters should be given within 48 hours of injury.