Treating Scars from Dog Bites

Introduction

Dog bites commonly result in lacerations that can result in severe scars. This article addresses the damages that result from dog attacks.

Injuries

The most common injury related to dog bites is scarring. Scars, especially facial scars, often result in substantial damages awards. Juries understand that in addition to appearance, a facial injury can forever affect how a person views herself. 

The natural healing process results in scar formation, in which the body forms collagen fibers to repair the damaged area.

There are several different kinds of scars. One type is called a hypertrophic scar, which looks raised and red. This type of injury has specific characteristics, including:

• The creation of healing tissue that is thicker than usual.
• Tissue that is red and raised
• Skin that is no longer flexible

Treatments include steroid injections to reduce the raised appearance, or silicone sheets to flatten the scar. Other treatment options include creams and oils, and laser treatment

Another type is called keloid scars, which is an overgrowth of scar tissue that goes beyond the wound. Different types of treatment exist for keloid scars, including surgery, steroid injections, and cryotherapy. 

The success of the procedures, and the lasting appearance depends on several factors, including the length, depth, and size of the wound or laceration, and location.  

Another common injury is nerve damage when nerves in the bitten area are traumatized. This type of injury commonly happens with an attack to the wrists, hands, and fingers. Nerves get stretched, and can cause numbness, stinging, and burning. A bite can also sever nerves, resulting in loss of motor or sensory function. Likewise, severe dog bites can damage tendons in the hands and wrists.

The Need for Urgent Care

The victim of an attack needs to be proactive. Immediate and appropriate medical care is required to reduce the likelihood of raised scars. 

A victim of a dog bite should seek treatment at an urgent care or emergency department. Treatment with a specialist is also advisable.

Prompt evaluation by a plastic surgeon or dermatologist is necessary to create a treatment plan that is often needed, especially for facial scarring.

Damaged or severed nerves also require immediate evaluation and treatment to avoid permanent nerve damage and loss of function.

CONCLUSION

Many victims do not know qualified specialists who evaluate dog bite injuries. At MCIS Lawyers, we have experienced attorneys who serve as a valuable resource for a referral to a competent specialist. Schedule a free consultation. No pressure, only sound advice.