Skin Wounds and Lacerations
Blisters
Abrasions
Minor/superficial cuts
Lacerations
Definition
Usually caused by friction
of the skin from poorly
fitting skates or shoes,
improper taping or overuse
A disruption to the top
layers of the skin that
is susceptible to re
injury and infection
A disruption of the
deeper layers of the
skin
A disruption of the
deeper layers of the
skin resulting in
increased risk of
infection and
possible scar
formation
Symptoms
Player
reports
Pain
Pain
Pain and discomfort
Pain, possible
numbness
Signs
You see
Warm reddened area on
the skin (hot spot) or a
clear liquid filled “bubble”
Reddened raw area
of skin – possible
bleeding
Bleeding
Bleeding – if severe
the blood may be
pulsating/spurting
Management
• Do not break a blister
• If it breaks, treat as an
open wound
• Cleanse and cover
• Protect the area with
second skin or a nonadherent pad
• Use elastic tape to firmly
secure the pad
• May need to apply donut
pad
• Clean with
antibacterial soap and
water or sterile saline
• Apply dressing or
band aid
• Do not apply any
creams or ointments
to the wound
• Clean with
antibacterial soap and
water or sterile saline
• Apply dressing or
band aid
• Do not apply any
creams or ointments to
the wound
• Refer to physician if
there is any doubt as to
deepness
• Place gauze
dressing on wound,
apply pressure and
elevate when
possible
• Ice may be applied
to the area to control
bleeding
• Activate EAP if
bleeding is severe
• Refer player to
physician
Notes
• Petroleum jelly or skin
lube applied to the covered
area, sock and inside the
skate boot will further
reduce friction
• Keep wound covered
during play
Keep the wound
covered during play
until completely
healed which may
take several weeks
Keep the wound
covered during play
until completely healed
which may take several
weeks
Neck Laceration
• Any laceration in
the neck area is
dangerous and can
be life threatening.
• Pressure with
pressure bandage
(large gauze
dressing or clean
towel) should be
placed over the area
and kept until
medical help arrives.
• Activate EAP
• Leave player in
position found
• Keep feet clean and dry
• Appropriate socks
• Properly fitted skates and
training shoes
Wear clean dry
underclothing under
equipment to avoid
skin irritation
Prevention