Wound closure is important, because anopen woundis an open door for infection.
Our skin is a barrier between bacteria and our bodies.
An opening in the skin increases the risk of having an infection.
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Surgical incisions are like an icebergmuch of what has been done is under the surface.
However, wounds can be left open for a variety of reasons.
This method may also be used when a wound will requiredebridement.
An example of closure by secondary intention is when a patient has an area of skin cancer removed.
The area is irregular, and the area removed is 1 inch by 2 inches in size.
This makes the process take longer, as the new skin cells have a greater area to fill.
A small round skin biopsy, the size of a pencil eraser and shallow, will heal quickly.
A large infected wound will heal at a reduced rate.
In some cases, will be notably improved day by day.
The vast majority of wounds are closed as soon as possible, but some wounds benefit from a delay.
These wounds are deep and narrow, which increases the risk of infection.
Common Methods of Closing Wounds
There are several methods of closing wounds.
These staples, unlike office supplies, are sterile to help prevent infection in the wound.
They are used to close deep cuts, and are also used to close surgical incisions.
Sutures are inexpensive and can be placed quickly once the area is numbed.
Some sutures, calledabsorbable sutures, are made to dissolve over time and are not removed.
Steristrips
Steristripsare small stripes of sterile adhesive material that are used to tape a wound closed.
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