Our skin

Did you know? The skin is the largest and one of the most important organs the human body has. The skin forms a protective barrier between the external environment and the internal organs.

Skin is strong, protective, powerful and it can heal itself.

Speaking of healing itself – even if our skin is strong, our skin can still be damaged by common everyday injuries such as; grazes, cuts, burns and sunburns. Any damage leading to a break in the continuity of the skin can be called a wound. An open wound accelerates the formation of new skin, in order to close the damaged skin as quickly as possible. The faster the skin heals, the less chance there is of developing scarring.

The anatomy of our skin

Our skin consists of three important parts:

1. Epidermis
The epidermis is the outermost of three layers that make up the skin. The epidermis is composed of several thin layers that consist of melanocytes and keratinocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin, a pigment that gives skin its colour and protects it from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. Keratinocytes produce keratin, a water repellent protein that gives the epidermis its tough and protective quality. Our intact skin formats a barrier against environmental damage like heat, UV radiation and water loss.
2. Dermis
The Dermis is composed of a thick layer of skin that contains collagen, connective tissue, fibers, blood vessels, sweat and hair follicles.
3. Subcutaneous Tissue (Hypodermis)
The deeper Hypodermis is made of fat and connective tissue.

Question 1/10

A wound heals faster if you expose it to air.

True False

Correct! If you expose a wound to the air, the skin dries out and healing is slower.

Unfortunately, incorrect. If you expose a wound to the air, the skin dries out and healing is slower.

Next question

Question 2/10

If a scab appears, it means that the wound is healing well.

True False

Correct! If a scab appears, it means that the wound is poorly hydrated and will need more time to heal.

Unfortunately, incorrect. If a scab appears, it means that the wound is poorly hydrated and will need more time to heal.

Next question

Question 3/10

Exposed to the air, a wound has to deal with more microbes.

True False

Correct! In most cases, microbes found on a wound come from the patient himself and not from the outside air.

Unfortunately, incorrect. In most cases, microbes found on a wound come from the patient himself and not from the outside air.

Next question

Question 4/10

Wound fluid is bad.

True False

Correct! The fluid that is naturally present in the wound contributes to healing.

Unfortunately, incorrect. The fluid that is naturally present in the wound contributes to healing.

Next question

Question 5/10

A wound has always to be disinfected.

True False

Correct! According to the current recommendations, it is sufficient to clean non-infected wounds with clean water or/and sterile saline cleanser. Only use antiseptics if the wound is infected.

Unfortunately, incorrect. According to the current recommendations, it is sufficient to clean non-infected wounds with clean water or/and sterile saline cleanser. Only use antiseptics if the wound is infected.

Next question

Question 6/10

Seawater is not good for healing wounds.

True False

Correct! Salt has an acid effect and this could cause the wound to become deeper, which prevents healing.

Unfortunately, incorrect. Salt has an acid effect and this could cause the wound to become deeper, which prevents healing.

Next question

Question 7/10

The area around a burn needs to be kept under cold or even icy water.

True False

Correct! Very cold or even ice-cold water can make the injury worse. Lukewarm water is sufficient to relieve the pain and stop the burn from spreading.

Unfortunately, incorrect. Very cold or even ice-cold water can make the injury worse. Lukewarm water is sufficient to relieve the pain and stop the burn from spreading.

Next question

Question 8/10

You should not apply hydrogen peroxide/oxygen water to a wound.

True False

Correct! Hydrogen peroxide is not disinfecting or antiseptic and therefore not appropriate for wound treatment.

Unfortunately, incorrect. Hydrogen peroxide is not disinfecting or antiseptic and therefore not appropriate for wound treatment.

Next question

Question 9/10

You don't have to protect tanned skin from the sun.

True False

Correct! Even tanned skin needs protection against sunburn.

Unfortunately, incorrect. Even tanned skin needs protection against sunburn.

Next question

Question 10/10

Itchy wounds indicate healing.

True False

Correct! When a wound starts to itch, this is a sign of healing. However, if you feel a knocking sensation, this may indicate an infection and it is best to consult a doctor.

Unfortunately, incorrect. When a wound starts to itch, this is a sign of healing. However, if you feel a knocking sensation, this may indicate an infection and it is best to consult a doctor.

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You are already well informed and you know the necessary tips and tricks when it comes to the care of different types of wounds. But there is always room for improvement, learn more about wound care here.

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