Why does skin around a wound turned white?

When skin around a wound turns white, it's usually indicative of tissue damage and a lack of adequate blood supply to the affected area. Here's why:

1. Vasoconstriction:

When injured, the body goes into "fight or flight" mode, causing blood vessels in the immediate vicinity of the wound to constrict. This temporary narrowing of the blood vessels reduces blood flow and oxygen supply to the injured area, leading to skin blanching.

2. Tissue Damage and Cell Death:

The impact or trauma of an injury can cause direct damage to the cells in the affected region, including blood vessels, nerve cells, and skin cells. As cells die, they release their contents into the surrounding area, causing inflammation and further reducing blood flow to the tissue.

3. Inflammatory Response:

The body's natural response to injury involves an inflammatory reaction. During this process, various inflammatory chemicals, such as histamine, are released, leading to increased permeability of the blood vessels and fluid extravasation from the capillaries into the tissue. This can further contribute to the blanching of the skin around the wound.

4. Compromised Microcirculation:

As a result of vasoconstriction and tissue swelling, the microcirculation in the affected area becomes impaired. Microcirculation refers to the small blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues. The reduced blood flow leads to a lack of oxygen (hypoxia) in the surrounding skin, resulting in a pale, whitish appearance.

5. Infection:

In some cases, the blanched skin around a wound may indicate the presence of an underlying infection. Infectious microorganisms can release toxins that further damage tissue and impair microcirculation, leading to a blanched appearance.

6. Underlying Medical Conditions:

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or collagen vascular disorders, can also cause skin blanching around wounds due to impaired blood circulation.

It's important to seek medical attention if you observe blanching or any other abnormal changes in the skin surrounding a wound, especially if it persists for several days or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain, swelling, or pus discharge. Proper wound care and medical evaluation can help ensure optimal healing and prevent complications.