Skin care

When you get a cut, skin tear, mosquito bite or scratch the lymphatic system gets to work. Initially, the blood vessels constrict to limit the loss of blood and clots form becoming a protective scab. The inflammatory process produces cellular debris and waste products. The lymphatic system then comes in to "clean' these waste products away from the affected area and transports them via lymhatic vessels to the lymph nodes for the waste to be filtered and removed. If there is a dysfunction of the lymphatic system, then these waste products cannot be transported away and filtered as effectively. This can lead to serious complications from minor injuries like cellulitis. This is a serious bacterial skin infection requiring in-hospital, intra-venous antibiotics for 3 to 5 days. If you notice a break in your skin, it must be monitored for heat, pus, redness-increasing in size or tracking up the limb, fevers or becoming generally unwell. Medical treatment must be sought if any of these symptoms persist.

Making sure you have a good skin care routine, keeping skin clean and moisturised. Covering up with appropriate clothing and repellant to prevent mosquito bites. Wearing appropriate clothing, footwear and gloves when gardening and treating wounds with basic first aid and monitoring are imperative to preventing infections.

Disclaimer-This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional with any concerns regarding wounds.