Degloved means the skin has been torn away from the tissue underneath, almost like pulling off a glove. It can happen to any body part, but fingers, hands, or feet are common. The injury exposes muscle, bone, or tendons and usually needs urgent surgery.
People use the word when talking about serious accidents—construction mishaps, car crashes, or getting a ring caught on something. A friend might say, “He nearly degloved his finger at work,” to explain why someone’s in the hospital. Doctors and nurses also use it in notes or conversations to describe the wound quickly.
Meaning & Usage Examples
- “She degloved her foot in a motorcycle accident.” = The skin on her foot was ripped off.
- “The surgeon repaired the degloved hand for six hours.” = The doctor reattached the skin and underlying tissue.
- “Wearing gloves can stop a partial degloving injury.” = Protective gear lowers the risk.
Context / Common Use
You’ll hear “degloved” in emergency rooms, workplaces with heavy machinery, or sports fields. It’s a blunt, medical shorthand that tells everyone the injury is severe and needs immediate care.
Is a degloved injury the same as a cut?
No. A cut slices the skin, but a degloved injury peels or tears the whole skin layer away, exposing deeper tissue.
Can a finger be saved after it’s degloved?
Often yes. Quick surgery can reattach skin and restore blood flow, but recovery can take months of therapy.
How can I avoid this kind of injury?
Remove rings before manual work, wear snug gloves, and keep loose clothing away from moving parts.
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