How to Treat a Severe Abrasion

A severe abrasion, partially healed.

An abrasion is an injury that is generally caused by friction. Abrasions create damage to the outer layers of the skin. A severe abrasion, however, involves the lower layers of skin as well, and can be extraordinarily painful. Here are the treatment options for a severe abrasion.

Things You'll Need

• First aid kit
• Access to medical care

Instructions

1. Stop the bleeding. While many abrasions don't cause a great deal of bleeding, severe abrasions often do. To stop the bleeding, apply a sterile cloth, towel or bandage to the area and apply steady, even pressure for 5 to 10 minutes. Check to see if the bleeding has subsided; if it hasn't, apply pressure until it does.

2. Remove any foreign matter. Sometimes the injured area becomes contaminated with dirt, rocks, pieces of glass or other harmful foreign matter. Remove these materials from the wound carefully.

3. Wash the abrasion with cool, sterile water. Wash the area down thoroughly to further remove any contaminants, dirt and unseen foreign matter.

4. Clean the abrasion with soap and water. Do so carefully, swabbing at the area with a clean towel and plenty of soap.

5. Rinse the abrasion clean of soap and dry it thoroughly with a sterile cloth or towel.

6. Liberally apply antibiotic ointment to the wounded area.

7. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage and secure it loosely over the top of the abrasion.

8. Seek additional medical attention, especially if there are any signs of an infection developing, including increasing pain, swelling, redness or fever.

Tips & Warnings

• In order to avoid abrasions, wear appropriate protective clothing and gear during all sporting events.

• If you can't stop the bleeding from an abrasion relatively quickly, seek medical attention immediately.

• If in doubt about whether or not it's necessary, seek medical attention rather than putting it off.