Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes White Skin On Injury Site?

Hi there

On Monday I sliced my tip of my finger quite significantly. Due to the chunk of skin being missing they cauterized it and it went black. I've been instructed to change the bandaid every day and apply polysporen when I do. Today when I removed the bandaid most of the black was gone and it was a white color and looked a little moist. Is this part of the heeling process or should I be worried? I have kept it away from any moisture as well as anything dirty.
Tue, 18 Nov 2014
Report Abuse
  Anonymous's Response
's  Response
Hello, wound healing after cauterization may take few days depending on size of the area cauterized and amount of tissue removed. Normally it should heal within two to four weeks. However you may see some swelling, redness or mild pain, however depending on the exact surgery, you would see scar tissue afterwards. As you mentioned about white skin, it may be scar tissue, and that suggests, that healing is taking place well. As you are already changing your dressing everyday and keeping it away from dirt, you are doing exactly what has been adviced to you. So I guess, you should keep doing what you are doing and not worry about the healing process, however if you see, too much of redness, or warmth, or swelling or pain on that site, you should immediately consult your dermatologist.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes White Skin On Injury Site?

Hello, wound healing after cauterization may take few days depending on size of the area cauterized and amount of tissue removed. Normally it should heal within two to four weeks. However you may see some swelling, redness or mild pain, however depending on the exact surgery, you would see scar tissue afterwards. As you mentioned about white skin, it may be scar tissue, and that suggests, that healing is taking place well. As you are already changing your dressing everyday and keeping it away from dirt, you are doing exactly what has been adviced to you. So I guess, you should keep doing what you are doing and not worry about the healing process, however if you see, too much of redness, or warmth, or swelling or pain on that site, you should immediately consult your dermatologist.