Hudskador

Hudskador is a Swedish medical term describing injuries to the skin, affecting the epidermis and, in more severe cases, the dermis. It covers a range from minor abrasions to partial- or full-thickness wounds, burns, and ulcers.

Classification

Clinically, hudskador are described by depth and mechanism. Superficial injuries involve the epidermis and cause redness and tenderness; deeper injuries affect the dermis and may blister or bleed. Burns are graded by depth.

Causes and risk factors

Common causes include mechanical trauma, thermal or chemical burns, radiation, and pressure injuries. Risk factors for poor healing include diabetes, vascular disease, malnutrition, and older age.

Clinical presentation and diagnosis

Diagnosis relies on history and examination, with assessment of depth, wound edges, and signs of infection. In complicated cases, imaging or microbiology may be used to guide treatment.

Treatment and prognosis

Management emphasizes wound cleaning, debridement when needed, appropriate dressings, pain control, and infection prevention. Prevention includes prompt wound care and protective measures to reduce complications. Most superficial hudskador heal with scarring; prognosis depends on depth, location, and comorbidity.

Etymology and usage

Hudskador derives from Swedish hud (skin) and skador (injuries) and is chiefly used in Swedish- and Scandinavian-language medical literature.