How should I treat broken skin on my arm please?

[HappyDiamonds]

Sorry to ask a basic question but I did a search and found Double base gel recommended but Im not sure what to do about damaged skin. I only have 2 small purple marks on my right arm but this morning my Labrador decided to give me his paw and broke the skin on one and made it bleed. Its about the size of 10p. Should I cover it with a plaster, put germolene on it or just leave it alone? The last thing I want is for it to become infected?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

If you can use hypoallergenic plasters that’s okay- but others may do more harm than good to surrounding skin.

superdrug.com/Health/First-...

Don’t put any ointment on it - maybe just a piece of clean gauze or clean handkerchief loosely taped to stop anything getting into it.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I only use a plaster for active bleeding - it gets messy otherwise! I never use ointment - just wash and pat dry. Careful with the plaster - very sticky ones can end up ripping the skin when you come to take it off. They never just fall off when you want them to! If you have problems even trying to soak it off, there are versions for delicate skin - at a not so delicate price no doubt.

Meant to add - the bandage that sticks to itself but not skin is wonderful.

[linda49]

I’ve experienced the same skin tears from our son’s enthusiastic Vizslas. I’ve found Tesco low adhesive dressings useful and not expensive. Just clean the wound gently with antiseptic wipes but don’t apply cream. The dressings come in a variety of sizes and you can get them delivered online along with the grocery shopping! I always have a pack in my luggage when we visit, but doubt we ‘ll be seeing them for some time as they've relocated to Scottish Isles.

[Agavegirl]

I had a lot of trouble with damaged skin in the summer. I tried a few different products and eventually found something that was good for me. I wanted to attach a picture but can’t work out how so here’s what it says on the packet. Comfeel plus transparent by Coloplast. I got them from Amazon. They can be left on for a few days so you don’t need to go through the trauma of pulling a plaster from fragile skin.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Agavegirl]

You can only add images to the post starting a new thread - can't do it in the middle of a conversation. Perhaps worth putting it up as a thread that others could add their finds to.

[HappyDiamonds]

Thanks everyone for your recommendations. Glad I asked because I hadn't thought of the plaster pulling off the surrounding skin. Its nothing much really but will no doubt happen again at some time, my dog is a typical Lab Foodie and will offer his paw to beg for treats and even though he's very gentle the skin broke so easily.

[123mossie in reply to HappyDiamonds]

You could use hydrocolloid dressings, they are very gentle & allow skin healing from underneath, they can stay on max 3days the just put on a new one until healed over.

[Hirwaen in reply to HappyDiamonds]

I always try to get the skin back to its original position on the year, this really helps in the healing process.

[Lyndaki in reply to HappyDiamonds]

In the early day of learning about the joys of steroid side-effects , I pulled a plaster off a small wound as I normally would & left worse bruising marks than the original wound! So yes, low adhesive plasters would be great!

[piglette]

As someone who has literally hundreds of the red spots, I tend to just leave them if the skin breaks. Although with the blisters on my legs due to pred I have bandages.

[S4ndy]

I use Duoderm hydrocolloid dressings for my small tears etc. I buy the big size and cut them to size. This dressing helps healing by creating a protective moist environment. They stay on well, even in the shower but come off easily without tearing the skin. They are expensive though so you may find the Boots hydrocolloid plasters less expensive.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to S4ndy]

And needless to say, Tesco's own are far cheaper and Superdrug and Lloyds also give Boots a run. I've bought Boots own products that were more expensive than brand names!!!!!

[Whippetygirl]

Melolin dressings held on with smallest amount of micropore tape you can get away with.