Would you be worried about my Dad’s wound?

[Caterpillar41]

My 84 year old dad tripped on Thursday and hit his head against the wall. He feels absolutely fine and wasn’t concussed/dizzy etc. My question is would you be worried about his would? My mum dressed it cleaned it etc but it is still weeping and wet. He won’t go to A&E! Thanks so much.

Looks as if it's taken off the top layer of skin - that often weeps for longer than a cut because there isn't the same clotting mechanism. As long as it's kept clean and isn't showing any sign of infection I'd not worry.

Might be worth a visit to the practise nurse on Monday for a look but unless it starts showing signs of infection I don't think A&E is needed.

It's going to weep as the top layer of skin is off.

Sticking a dressing on will be hard unless you shave the hair around it. But I'd probably just leave it alone.

I don't think I'd be worried unless it starts to look infected.

No need for a dressing as IMO wounds like that will dry out and heal faster in the air.

Looks ok to me. Just needs to dry out. There's no inflammation or signs of infection.

Poor man though. Falling over is frightening and will affect his confidence.

Is he on any anti coagulation, e.g warfarin or apixaban?

Wow 84 with that much hair 😲 my 30 year old partner doesn't have a head of hair like that 🫣

They always advise over 70s with head wounds should go to A&E, (our minor injuries won't touch a head wound if you're over 70) but I believe that's for concussions/immediate effects, and he's obviously after that period.

No he isn’t x

Ha ha he has got a good head of hair!!!! I have my wild mane to thank him for too 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Nurse here. As far as I can tell from the picture, it looks ok. As others have said, he’s taken the top layer of skin off and that can take a while to heal. Keep it as clean and dry as possible, avoiding exposure to any water or other substances, such as dry shampoo or moisturiser- pop a waterproof dressing on it if he wants to wash his hair. It should begin to heal in the next few days, but if the amount of discharge increases/the discharge or the wound change colour/there’s any odour or if he starts to feel generally unwell he must see his GP or practice nurse as it might be infected. I hope that helps 🙂

That’s so helpful thank you for taking the time to reply xxx