A deep tissue injury is just what it sounds like; an injury to underlying tissue below the skin's surface. This injury is a unique form of pressure ulcer that restricts blood flow to the tissue causing it to die. Unlike a pressure sore, a deep tissue injury affects deeper tissue as opposed to the surface of the skin.
A deep tissue injury (DTI) can be painful and debilitating and lead to life-threatening issues. Even with treatment, it can quickly deteriorate into your worst nightmare, and since it's not an obvious injury, it's easy to miss.
What differentiates a deep-tissue injury from a pressure sore?
According to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP), a DTI is defined as a purple/maroon area of discolored intact skin or a blood-filled blister due to damage to underlying soft tissue. It is potentially dangerous because DTIs begin in the muscle closest to the bone and may not be apparent in its early stages, making early identification and aggressive treatment imperative. Three proactive treatments to prevent DTIs include:
If a deep tissue injury is similar to a pressure ulcer but more dangerous, how do you determine you're dealing with a DTI?
Since treatment may differ, it's imperative to get it right for proper healing. The NPUAP identifies the symptoms of DTI as follows:
When diagnosing a DTI/pressure ulcer, understanding the severity can determine the course of treatment. Experts identify the six stages of pressure injuries as follows:
When treating a deep tissue injury, the right products can make all the difference. There are a plethora of medical aids available at HPFY to deal with deep tissue injuries. Three medical aids that may benefit your treatment include:
Any skin breakdown can lead to serious problems down the road. Early identification of a deep tissue injury can be crucial in treating it successfully. Work with your doctor or nurse to develop a wound care plan that works for you. Establish a plan, be proactive, and be diligent!! Visit Health Products For You for all of your wound care for skin needs.
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
Kevin Cleary has been a Health Products For You contributor for many years and has a degree in marketing. His health and wellness journey has a very personal meaning and has guided him in his content writing for HPFY.
In 2006, ...
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