Practical Management of Common Skin Injuries, Lacerations, Wounds, Trigger Fingers, and Burns

Abstract

Primary care clinicians encounter many conditions during their day-to-day visits with patients. A few of these common presentations include burns, lacerations, trauma to the hand, and wounds, some of which do not require an evaluation by a specialist and can be managed outpatient by primary care clinicians. In this article, we share evidence-based tips to avoid common pitfalls in primary care recognition and management of such presentations as well as guide them to manage many of these conditions themselves. We also provide guidance in the decision to refer the patient to a plastic surgeon or other specialists.

Keywords: Ambulatory Care Facilities; Burns; Clinical Medicine; Emergency Medicine; Evidence-Based Medicine; Lacerations; Primary Health Care.