Eschar

Eschar

From the Greek word "eschara" (scab) an eschar (IPAEng|ˈɛskɑr) is a piece of dead tissue that is cast off from the surface of the skin, particularly after a burn injury, but also seen in gangrene, ulcer, fungal infections, necrotizing spider bite wounds, and late exposure to anthrax. Eschar is sometimes called a "black wound" because the wound is covered with thick, dry, black necrotic tissue.

Eschar may be allowed to slough off naturally, or it may require surgical removal (debridement) to prevent infection, especially in immunocompromised patients (e.g. if a skin graft is to be conducted).

If eschar is on a limb, it is important to assess peripheral pulses of the affected limb to make sure blood and lymphatic circulation is not compromised. If circulation is compromised, an escharotomy, or surgical incision through the eschar, may be indicated.

An escharotic is a substance that causes tissue to die and slough off. Examples include acids, alkalines, carbon dioxide, metallic salts, or electric cautery.

External links

* http://www.medbc.com/annals/review/vol_3/num_2/text/vol3n2p79.htm


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Synonyms:
(made by caustics), ,


Look at other dictionaries:

  • Eschar — Es char, n. [L. eschara, Gr. ?: cf. F. eschare. See {Scar}.] (Med.) A dry slough, crust, or scab, which separates from the healthy part of the body, as that produced by a burn, or the application of caustics. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Eschar — Es char, n. [Ir.] (Geol.) In Ireland, one of the continuous mounds or ridges of gravelly and sandy drift which extend for many miles over the surface of the country. Similar ridges in Scotland are called kames or kams. [Written also {eskar} and… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • eschar — [es′kär΄, es΄kər] n. [altered (after L) < ME escare < OFr < LL eschara: see SCAR1] a dry scab that forms as a result of a burn or of corrosive action …   English World dictionary

  • eschar — noun /ˈɛskɑː/ a dry, dark scab or scar, especially as a result of burning , 1965: In another minute there was no letter; but, as with every other relationship in my life, an eschar of ashes. The word is rare, but exact. John Fowles, The Magus …   Wiktionary

  • eschar — noun Etymology: Middle English escare more at scar Date: 1543 a scab formed especially after a burn …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • eschar — (es kar) A slough produced on the skin by a thermal burn, gangrene, or the anthrax bacillus …   Dictionary of microbiology

  • eschar — /es kahr, keuhr/, n. Pathol. a hard crust or scab, as from a burn. [1375 1425; late ME escare < LL eschara < Gk eschára hearth, brazier, coals and therefore indication of burning; cf. SCAR1] * * * …   Universalium

  • Eschar — The scab formed when a wound or skin is sealed by the heat of cautery or burning. Also the dark crusted ulcer (tache noire) at the site of the chigger (mite larva) bite in scrub typhus. * * * A thick, coagulated crust or slough which develops… …   Medical dictionary

  • eschar — n. scab, hard crust which forms over a wound (Medicine) …   English contemporary dictionary

  • eschar — [ ɛskα:] noun Medicine a dry, dark scab caused by a burn, bite, etc. Origin ME: from Fr. eschare or late L. eschara scar or scab , from Gk (see also scar) …   English new terms dictionary

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