Unsealed: Posted to General Missive Network

[sound_council]

Perhaps this is a bit forward of me, but my experiences over the last few months have indicated that there is a near-criminal lack of basic medical knowledge among the ninja and civilian population.

As such I, Dr. Yakushi of the Sound, will happily answer any medical questions you might have, no matter your village affiliation, from the hours of 3pm to 6pm, Mondays through Fridays. Yes, even the questions your parents or teachers are unwilling to answer. Yes, even things that might make you uncomfortable or embarrassed. There is an anonymous messaging option for that very reason. Yes, I can speak to most complications arising from Bloodline Talents (though depending on how unusual your abilities, it might be best to speak to your personal doctor or teacher, should your talents be considered a village secret.) It would be my pleasure, and duty, to answer your questions and decrease the number of preventable injuries within our communities.

So.

Ask away.

Some common questions to start us off - 

Is scar tissue stronger than regular skin?
It is. However, each cell of your body can only replicate so many times. I would encourage you not to intentionally scar yourself for any reason. 

How useful is medical jutsu outside the ninja world?
Very. Most humans possess at least a base-line amount of chakra which can be induced to speed healing. Furthermore, basic medical knowledge includes traditional as well as ninjutsu based healing. I would encourage everyone to learn at least a bit of the former. It can save lives. If you are interested, I can post information on the basics of CPR, Chakra Healing and first Aid as taught by the Sound. 

Do ninja's have to eat more than regular people?
Using ninjutsu uses energy similar to that of regular exercise. The more you exercise, the more you need to eat. Similarly, the more you practice ninjutsu, the more calories you will need to consume. This is equally applicable to both male and female ninja. Starving yourself for any reason is idiotic and can lead to health complications which can negatively effect ones abilities. I recommend eating a balanced but varied diet, to ensure that you are receiving the appropriate amounts of micro-nutrients as well as calories.

Are condoms uncomfortable?
No. If your significant other uses this as an excuse to not wear them, they are lying and should be dealt with accordingly. Alternatively, if your find your preferred method of protection uncomfortable, it is likely that you are using the incorrect size. Please be safe when engaging in intercourse. The Sound already has too many orphans.

And because this is distressingly common - 
I cut off my finger/hand/arm/head. Is it possible to reattach it?
Please do not do this. While an experienced medical professional can reattach and ocassionally regrow limbs, every surgery has its dangers. At the moment, I have a jar on my desk full of glass eyes and an entire sewing kit of sutures specifically for re-attaching fingertips. If you are a teacher or parent of a young ninja, for the love of all things holywatch your children while they are training. Just because doctors can reattach limbs, doesn't mean we should be asked to do so on a daily basis!

Comments

[sound_council]

My first guess would be infection. Ninja often move through dirty areas, and the bandages and wrappings may get torn. Its important to make sure the injured area remains clean and switch the bandages often.

Similarly, high amounts of activity can tear the stiches or rip the skin apart again. Its that kind of repeated damaging of the skin that causes the worst scaring.

Of course, some wounds will scar no matter what. Deep wounds, or those in places with little skin like the hands and feet, are more likely to cause scars.

There are instances when ones own personal chakra gets in the way of a wound healing correctly, or when enemy chakra can sap one's natural healing, but that is much rarer than simple rambunctious students getting into more trouble.

[senseiofthesea]

That definitely explains a thing or two then.

Any advice on handling cauterized wounds?

[sound_council]

Usually the simple act of cauterizing will deal with the immediate problems, though in that case it will leave a scar. Its an efficient method of fixing the problem, but if there is a medic nearby, even a novice, they have better ways of healing wounds that are not as drastic.

Cauterized wounds usually heal faster, but are more at risk of infection. Clean the area and replace bandages frequently, and watch for any liquid that is not blood or clear; that can indicate an infection or poison.

[senseiofthesea]

My question was on the handling of the damages caused by cauterizing themselves, and what kind of depth they can handle.

Not all wounds caused or fixed by cauterizing are done outside of battle, medics nearby or not, and that's why I wish to know.

[sound_council]

My appologies. I shall be more specific.

The benifit of cauterizing is that it can close off very, very deep wounds quickly. The hotter the brand, and the longer it is held against the skin, the deeper the burn will go. Obviously the least amount of necessary damage is best, but in drastic situations sometimes it is difficult to gauge such things. If possible cool the area cauterized quickly to prevent further internal damage.

The main purpose of cauterization in most cases is to stop the subject from bleeing out, not to save the skin or even surounding limb. Speed is your ally in these cases, and I have already spoken of the necessary aftercare when one moves to a safer location.

[senseiofthesea]

No, no, don't apologize, my meaning is obviously unclear. I meant things such as attacks that cauterize when inflicted, not cauterization that happened due to medical practice. Still, you answered my question so it works out favorably.

[sound_council]

...if you are regularly going against enemies that use the kind of heat necessary to instntly cauterize wounds, I wish both yourself and your students luck. I'm afraid I cannot add much more information without knowing the specific kinds of attacks these people are using - Burning Palms or some kind of fire projectile is the only thing I can think of off the top of my head.

In such a case, all I can really suggest is dealing with the enemy as fast as possible and hope that they do not hit anything vital in your students. Burned major organs are not pretty and damn hard to heal, even for an experienced medic.

[senseiofthesea]

Thank you very much for your wisdom then Medic-san, and may the rest of your correspondence be equally helpful.