SAFEHARM
this carrd is a collection of information about harm reduction and self care of those self harming.
SAFEHARM
i am not a medical professional. the information in this carrd is based on my own research and experiences.
SAFEHARM
this carrd is a collection of information about harm reduction and self care of those self harming.
SAFEHARM
the skin is divided in three major layers - the epdermis, the dermis and the hypodermis (fat tissue). below these are the fascia, which covers the muscle, the muscle itself and the bones. you are also at risk of cutting into tendons and nerves.
shtwt has it's own unique nicknames for these layers.
the epidermis ("cat scratches")
this is the visible top layer of the skin and the bleeding is caused by the severing of the small blood vessels in this layer.
these cuts will not gape and often form little blood droplets.
the dermis ("styros")
the dermis is the second major layer of the skin. it will often appear white before starting to fill with blood and may gape.seek medical attention as this might require stitching depending on width and length.
the hypodermis ("beans")
this is the fatty layer of the skin. cuts in this layer of the skin will definitely gape and the yellow - often bubbly - fat tissue will be visible.seek medical attention as this absolutely requires stitching.
the fascia
from here on the skin actually ends and the tissue below begins. gaping is unavoidable. the fascia is the layer that covers the muscles and often appears as white, with the fleshy colour of the muscle beneath shining through beneath.
the muscle ("laffy taffy)
muscle is a fleshy red and white tone, often appearing striped or striated.
the bones ("bedrock")
bones appear yellow-whiteish and are very hard to miss.
IF YOU HAVE HIT FASCIA, MUSCLE OR BONES, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. THIS CANNOT BE PROPERLY TREATED AT HOME AND YOU'RE AT RISK FOR PERMANENT NERVE DAMAGE, PERMANENT IMMOBILITY, INFECTION / SEPSIS AND EVEN AMPUTATION.
SAFEHARM
in this section i will tell you about the different blood vessels - capillaries, veins and arteries - in our body and how to identify which one you may have cut.
capillaries
the capillaries are tiny blood vessels responsible for the exchange of gas, nutrients and waste between tissue.
cutting these will cause minor bleeding and is not life threatening.
capillaries are closely related to arterioles.
veins
veins are important blood vessels that transport the blood back to the heart.
when partially or fully severed, the bloodflow will be strong and steady with the blood appearing dark red to blueish, big veins might gush.call emergency services if the bleeding does not stop after applying pressure for about 15 minutes.
arteries
arteries transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the cells.
arterial bleeding is characterized by a pulsating blood flow that might even squirt out of the wound. the blood appears bright red.if you suspect arterial bleeding, call emergency services immediately as you are at risk of bleeding out without medical intervention.i advise you to stay away from areas with major blood vessels such as the inner thighs, lower arms and face to prevent accidentally bleeding out.
SAFEHARM
while i always will advise you to seek medical attention and stitches for deeper cuts to prevent infection, i know this care might not be available for everyone. this little guide is a recommendation on how to take care of cuts at home.
only start this process after bleeding has stopped.
1) wash your hands and wear gloves if possible.
2) rinse the cut under lukewarm water.
3) remove possible debris with sterile tweezers, wash the skin around the cut with gentle soap and lukewarm water or apply desinfectant spray.
4) if you want to, apply ointment. if the cut is gaping, do not apply ointment internally! only apply a thin layer across the wound with a cotton swab.
5) slightly gaping cuts can be closed with butterfly bandages after cleaning.
6) cover your the wound with a sterile bandaid or gauze.
7) change the bandaid / gauze frequently, atleast once a day. if you notice the bandaid / gauze is dirty / wet, change it.
even if you properly take care of your cuts, you are at risk of infection.
symptoms of infection are:
• pus coming from the wound
• redness around the wound
• pain or swelling
• feveran untreated infection can lead to sepsis, which is a serious condition where the body shows an extreme reaction to an infection.
symptoms of sepsis are:
• chills
• fever or hypothermia (low body temperature)
• confusion
• lightheadedness due to low blood pressure
• rapid heartbeat
• skin rashes or mottled skin
• warm skinif you experience these symptoms, immediately alert emergency services - sepsis can be deadly.