Post by WilD CherrY on May 28, 2006 16:29:17 GMT -5
An important issue for people who self injure is receiving appropriate medical attention for their wounds when required. While we may have difficulty controlling the urge to cause injuries to our bodies, we do owe it to ourselves to take good care of our wounds to prevent any further medical complications.
Some wounds can be cared for at home. With adequate antiseptic ointment/cream, dressings and bandages, it is not always necessary to see a doctor.
But for other wounds, medical attention by a trained professional may be necessary, and sometimes life saving.
The following is a list of conditions where it is advisable to see a trained medical professional.
WOUNDS - 7 signs you should see a doctor
1. If the wound is gaping open (sides of the skin have separated) it will probably need stitches by a doctor to help it stop bleeding and heal with minimal scarring.
2. If the wound has blood spurting or gushing from the site of injury this may indicate damage to an artery and need urgent medical attention. ie ambulance treatment
3. If the bleeding from the wound will not stop after continuous pressure for approx 30 mins this may indicate damage to important blood vessels.
4. If there is a change in the sensation (feeling) of the injured limb -eg. numbness or tingling near or around the wound. This could indicate nerve damage, requiring medical intervention.
5. If there is a sudden loss of movement of the injured limb could indicate nerve or blood vessel damage, needing to be seen by a doctor.
6. If there is foreign material (eg dirt, glass, broken off metal) stuck in the wound that you cant clean out yourself, a doctor will be required to help cleanse the wound.
7. If the wound develops swelling, redness, pus, soreness and becomes hot to touch, it may be infected and require assessment and antibiotic treatment by a doctor.
For many people, going to the doctor about self-inflicted injuries can be a frightening and humiliating experience. But we all have the right to adequate medical care regardless of how the injury occurred.
Wounds that have not been cared for appropriately can develop infections and scar badly.
It is well worth the anxiety to have your wounds checked out by a doctor even if it is just for your own peace of mind.
Your own good physical health should not to be taken lightly it is a precious gift.
If you have any concerns about your wounds and are wondering whether or not you should go to a doctor this is the time you should DEFINITELY GO!!!
Some wounds can be cared for at home. With adequate antiseptic ointment/cream, dressings and bandages, it is not always necessary to see a doctor.
But for other wounds, medical attention by a trained professional may be necessary, and sometimes life saving.
The following is a list of conditions where it is advisable to see a trained medical professional.
WOUNDS - 7 signs you should see a doctor
1. If the wound is gaping open (sides of the skin have separated) it will probably need stitches by a doctor to help it stop bleeding and heal with minimal scarring.
2. If the wound has blood spurting or gushing from the site of injury this may indicate damage to an artery and need urgent medical attention. ie ambulance treatment
3. If the bleeding from the wound will not stop after continuous pressure for approx 30 mins this may indicate damage to important blood vessels.
4. If there is a change in the sensation (feeling) of the injured limb -eg. numbness or tingling near or around the wound. This could indicate nerve damage, requiring medical intervention.
5. If there is a sudden loss of movement of the injured limb could indicate nerve or blood vessel damage, needing to be seen by a doctor.
6. If there is foreign material (eg dirt, glass, broken off metal) stuck in the wound that you cant clean out yourself, a doctor will be required to help cleanse the wound.
7. If the wound develops swelling, redness, pus, soreness and becomes hot to touch, it may be infected and require assessment and antibiotic treatment by a doctor.
For many people, going to the doctor about self-inflicted injuries can be a frightening and humiliating experience. But we all have the right to adequate medical care regardless of how the injury occurred.
Wounds that have not been cared for appropriately can develop infections and scar badly.
It is well worth the anxiety to have your wounds checked out by a doctor even if it is just for your own peace of mind.
Your own good physical health should not to be taken lightly it is a precious gift.
If you have any concerns about your wounds and are wondering whether or not you should go to a doctor this is the time you should DEFINITELY GO!!!