General Medical Question - Non Urgent - How deep is it? (possibly SI triggering/graphic)

Sadiew · 07-08-2009, 04:22 AM

I hope this is in the right forum. This might be a little graphic, so be warned. Sometimes when I cut myself I get to the fatty tissue of my arm. Well, I'm pretty sure that's what it is. It has the little yellow bubbles that can split or something. But, one time it was closer to the surface, like right below my outer skin. anyway,what I'm wondering is if anyone knows how deep into your upper arm the fat is? and I don't think it matters, but I'm also obese. I'm just wondering cause I want to know how deep it is, if that's a problem, if those require stitches (I'm pretty sure they do), etc. And I don't want to tell people about the fatty tissue and give them the wrong idea if it's not that deep. Sorry, this is a pretty technical and graphic question, but any help would be great. Thanks ^^

Pomegranate · 07-08-2009, 04:32 AM

If you are seeing yellow bubbly layers when you cut then, yes...you do need to get it looked at because you probably need it to be professionally closed and/or assessed. It will not necessarily mean a complete psych assessment or anything but it really is best to get it seen to as it reduces the scarring and also the risk of infection.

Sadiew · 07-08-2009, 04:52 AM

yes, that's what I was thinking, thanks. and I'm not sure if it matters, but I don't see a layer. usually it's one or a few bubbles. I get like right above the fatty layer I think. but, I don't see what else they could be.

Pomegranate · 07-08-2009, 05:20 AM

If you even suspect that it is deep enough (and from what you have described then it sounds like it is) then I would get it checked out. Even if the wound does not need closing then the doctor will be able to better describe what does. The first aid wound care document does give a pretty good guidance as well.

Sadiew · 07-08-2009, 05:50 AM

yeah, just checked the first aid document. I kind of figured it was deep enough, just wanted to make sure I wasn't off my rocker or something ^^ thanks!

Bitter_Angel · 07-08-2009, 11:43 PM

If your wound gapes more than 1.5cm then it needs treatment. If you are cutting to fat (yellow bubbles) then it is a good idea to get checked out. If a wound wont stop bleeding then it needs to be checked out. hope that helps.
there is an a&e guide onthe main site under the advice tab with more information in it.

SweetAs*Sin · 09-08-2009, 01:10 PM

If you cannot push the two sides of the wound together then you need stitches, regardless of whether or not you can see fatty tissue. Otherwise, this may well get infected and you could become seriously ill because of it.

Hope that helped =]

Sadiew · 10-08-2009, 09:10 PM

does not being able to push the two sides of the wound together mean it's so far apart you can't even get them to touch, or they won't stay together? should the wound always be closed then, or is a little opening ok? (like it doesn't close, even days later). sorry for adding new questions ^^

Bitter_Angel · 10-08-2009, 09:18 PM

Sounds like this wound should have been stitched. It will be too late for sttiches now though. You will need to keep this wound clean and dressed to prevent it from getting infected while it heals. In future you should try to go to hospital to get the wound closed.