Hudsåret

Hudsåret, literally “the skin wound” in Swedish, is a term used to describe any breach of the skin surface and the tissue beneath it. It covers a broad range of wounds, from minor injuries such as cuts and abrasions to more complex wounds like ulcers, pressure injuries, burns, and surgical incisions.

Signs and symptoms vary with the wound type but commonly include pain, redness, swelling, warmth around the area, bleeding, and in some cases drainage or foul odor if infection develops. Signs of infection may include increasing redness, pus, spreading swelling, fever, or worsening pain.

Causes are diverse and include physical trauma, surgical procedures, burns, and conditions that impair skin integrity or healing, such as diabetes, vascular disease, pressure, or prolonged poor nutrition. Chronic wounds, such as leg ulcers or pressure ulcers, may result from ongoing medical or circulatory problems.

Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on inspection and history. In some cases, assessment of wound depth, surrounding skin, and signs of infection guides treatment. Culture or imaging may be used if infection or deeper tissue involvement is suspected.

Treatment focuses on promoting healing and preventing complications. This includes cleaning and debridement of the wound, appropriate dressing to maintain moisture and protect from infection, and pain management. Antibiotics are used when there is bacterial infection or high risk of infection. Tetanus vaccination may be advised for certain injuries. Some wounds may require closure or specialized wound-care approaches, especially chronic or non-healing ulcers.

Prevention involves protecting the skin, proper wound care, and managing underlying conditions that impair healing. With appropriate care, many hudsåret heal without long-term complications, though chronic wounds may require ongoing medical attention.