Skin-Related Conditions

Your skin is the human body's largest organ and serves as a protective barrier between the internal organs and the external environment. Skin-related conditions include a range of wounds and injuries that affect the skin in its various layers, including the dermis, epidermis, and, in severe cases, muscles and nerves. 

Skin-related injuries are usually accidental occurrences that are common across all age groups. While more common in adults, unsupervised children can also suffer from skin wounds and injuries. 

Untreated skin injuries can potentially become infected, resulting in complications such as the spread of infection, extensive scarring, and persistent pain. Timely medical attention and proper care are essential to prevent severe complications. 

At Destiny Urgent Cares of Colorado, our team is dedicated to providing you with thorough medical attention without the hassle of prolonged appointment wait times. If you or a loved one has experienced a skin-related condition, feel free to contact us or visit our walk-in clinic in Colorado without hesitation.

The skin is a dynamic organ that acts as a physical barrier between your internal organs and the outside environment. The structure of the skin includes:

• Epidermis is the outermost layer of skin that acts as a protective barrier. It is primarily composed of epithelial cells and contains melanocytes, which produce melanin responsible for skin color.
• Dermis is a thicker layer located beneath the epidermis. The dermis contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and sweat glands. It provides structural support to the skin.
• Hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue) is the deepest layer. It helps regulate body temperature and provides insulation. It consists of connective tissue and fat. 

Skin injuries can result from various causes, including trauma, infections, medical conditions, or underlying diseases. Common skin-related conditions include:

Skin cuts and lacerations are wounds that involve damage to the skin caused by sharp objects, often resulting in a break or opening in the skin surface. These injuries can happen when using sharp tools like needles, glass shards, knives, or scissors. 

These injuries can vary in type and severity, depending on the cause and circumstances of the damage. Skin wounds may include:

• Incised wound, which is a clean, smooth cut made by a sharp object such as scissors or knives.
• Laceration, which is an irregular tear in the skin, often caused by an object with jagged or uneven edges.
• Puncture wound, which is a small, deep hole in the skin caused by a sharp, pointed object. These may include stab wounds and injuries from nails or needles.
• Avulsion wound, which is a severe injury that involves partial or complete tearing away of the skin and underlying tissue.
• Abrasion, which is superficial damage to the skin caused by friction or scraping against a rough surface.

Skin burns are injuries caused by exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation, leading to damage of skin tissues. 

Skin burns are categorized into different degrees based on their severity. These include:

First-Degree Burns 

These are superficial burns that affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). First-degree burns are the least severe burns, usually caused by exposure to hot objects or sunburn. 

Symptoms may include:

• Redness and mild swelling in the affected area
• Pain 
• Peeling as the skin heals

Second-Degree Burns 

These include burns that extend beyond the outer layer and may involve the dermis. These burns can result from exposure to hot liquids, flames, contact burns, or more severe cases of sunburn. 

Symptoms of second-degree burns may include 

• Intense pain 
• Blistering with the presence of fluids
• Redness and severe swelling in the burned area 

Third-Degree Burns 

Third-degree burns cause severe damage to the entire thickness of the skin, including the underlying tissues like muscles and nerves. These wounds require immediate medical attention. 

Symptoms may include: 

• Charred skin
• Loss of sensation in the burned area (due to nerve damage)
• Severe pain (if nerve endings are affected)

The severity of your burns will determine the appropriate treatment for your injury. Our expert team at Destiny Urgent Cares of Colorado provides prompt medical evaluation and intervention for your burns to prevent any complications. 

Skin rashes can manifest in various forms and are often associated with inflammation, irritation, or an allergic reaction. 

While not all rashes result in wounds, some may cause breaks in the skin due to scratching or other factors. Common characteristics of skin rashes include: 

• Redness of skin, accompanied by itching and discomfort. It can result from various causes, including allergic reactions, irritants, or infections.
• Bumps and papules, which are rashes with raised areas that can be a result of your skin responding to irritation or inflammation caused by insect bites or stings and allergic reactions.
• Blisters, which are bumps on the skin filled with fluid. The fluid within the blisters may contain inflammatory cells.
• Hives, which are the sudden appearance of itchy, raised welts on the skin. Hives can vary in size and shape and may come and go rapidly. 
• Scaling or flaking skin, which involve the shedding of the outer layer of skin cells. This can give the appearance of peeling skin and may be associated with dryness or inflammation.

If your rash persists and worsens, you can seek immediate medical attention at our walk-in clinic for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Animal bites can result in various types of skin wounds, ranging from mild irritation to more severe injuries. These wounds occur as a result of bites from various animals and insects. These include: 

• Mosquito, tick, and bedbug bites
• Stinging insects, such as bees and wasps
• Bites from dogs, cats, or rodents

Common types of skin conditions associated with animal and insect bites include: 

• Puncture wounds
• Scratches and abrasions
• Allergic reactions
• Inflammation and swelling
• Venomous bites

Our proficient team at Destiny Urgent Cares of Colorado is equipped with the expertise to address your skin-related conditions effectively. Our comprehensive services address all kinds of issues, from managing minor cuts and rashes to providing care for more severe injuries and wounds.

You can seek immediate medical attention at our walk-in clinic whenever the need arises. Upon arriving at our facility, our dedicated team will conduct a thorough diagnosis of your skin condition, including:

• Examination of your injury
• Assessment of your current health status
• Review of your family's medical history
• Evaluation of prescribed medications
• Consideration of your overall symptoms

Following a thorough physical examination of your skin wound, we will conduct all necessary laboratory and imaging tests to deliver an accurate diagnosis.

The recommended treatment plan will be tailored to the severity of your injury. This may include pain management, potential skin grafting, and the use of antibiotics to address any infections.

At Destiny Urgent Care of Colorado, our dedicated team is committed to delivering exceptional medical care for various skin-related conditions. If you require medical attention for a skin-related issue, our team can assist you on your journey to recovery.

If you have questions, please call us at 720-477-4024. No appointment necessary, walk ins welcome. You can pre-register online to get in line before arriving.