Facial Injuries When a patient has a facial injury, it can be devastating for them. If a face is disfigured or has a problem, there is essentially no way to ignore it. The face is the first thing you see when someone approaches you.
Facial Wounds The good news is that in today’s world plastic surgeons are able to repair facial injuries to the point that most will become unnoticeable. There are multiple options to heal facial scars, even without a surgeon’s aid. If someone was involved in an auto accident or a similar situation that injures their face, here are some suggestions to offer-
Be sure to keep the wound clean and moisturized with vitamin E oil Rub E oil on the scar 3-4 times per day, this helps avoid a scar that is raised off the skin. For multiple scars, a dermabrasion, or several dermabrasion treatments can reveal fresh healed skin. If the scars are significant, a chemical peel may be the answer, however be sure the actual wound is healed completely prior to a chemical peel. Apply a think lotion or cream to the wound and keep it very moisturized, this will be of great benefit. If nothing works, consult a plastic surgeon. Much of the minor work they do can be done in a day and on an outpatient.
Muscle Injuries of the Face When a patient has a stroke, it can cause paralysis of the facial muscles, usually on one side. The eye may droop, and the mouth can slope down on one side. In addition, vision may be affected in the lazy eye, and with the mouth drooping, it can cause slurred and delayed speech. With many of the symptoms of stroke, the patient has the option to attend physical therapy. In most cases they are able to regain strength in their facial muscles and return to normal. The sooner they engage in physical therapy, the more likely they are to gain control of the facial area muscles. Related: Over-Worked-Over-Washed Dry Hands and Skin
Bells Palsy Bells Palsy is a condition that is sometimes confused with a stroke. Unlike a stroke, there is no injury in the brain. This is a temporary condition, although it has been known to leave permanent results. This condition can strike at any age, however most likely affects those over 50. Tests will need to be conducted to determine that it is not stroke related, and therapy may be needed to re-gain muscle control.
Fever Blisters It may sound minor, but put you in the place of a teenager and it won’t be. Fever blisters are not always confined just to a lip. They can spread, particularly if immunity is low or compromised. Many people continuously get fever blisters anytime there are sick. There are over the counter medications that can be used to help stop the spread of the virus that causes fever blisters, and the sooner its used, the better the results.
Shingles Shingles look somewhat like a fever blister; however, it goes down into the nerves. Because it generally covers a wide area where it strikes, it can look as bad as it feels if on the face. Shingles should be examined by a physician, although little can be done, it essentially has to work its course. The good news is, there is now a shingles vaccination that prevents shingles. This is recommended for anyone over the age of 50 that has ever had chicken pox. Related: Nursing in Law Enforcement
Acne Acne does not necessarily end after teen years are over. It can continue throughout life, and it can be embarrassing to have a huge zit on the end of your nose. Washing the face very well can help, and if necessary, a doctor can prescribe a medication to speed up healing time from acne. Facial malformations always look worse to the person that has it, than to anyone else, which is understandable. Assuring the patient that odds are great their face will return to normal, and noting progress each time they are seen, can make a big difference. Don’t dismiss a patient’s concerns on a face injury. It’s serious to them and they need encouragement, not dismissal. Related: Exceptional Diabetes Educator Evelyn Thompson, RN, BSN, will be Honorably Mentioned in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare
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