How to Treat Minor Abrasions
Minor skin abrasions are painful rash-like ailments that occur as the result of your skin harshly rubbing against another surface, scraping off of some of the top layers of skin. Falling off a bike, tripping over shoelaces or being pushed to the ground are all common causes. Treating the condition doesn't have to mean a trip to the emergency room. Prevent infection and aid in faster healing by taking care of it at home.
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Things You'll Need
- Cotton swabs or tweezers
- Antibacterial soap
- Washcloth
- Antibiotic ointment with anesthetic
- Bandage, gauze or bandage tape
Instructions
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Rinse the affected area under some cool water for a few minutes and use a cotton swab or tweezers to very gently remove any foreign bodies such as dirt or gravel caught in the abrasion.
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Wash the area with lukewarm water and antibacterial hand soap then gently dab the wound and the skin around it dry with a clean washcloth.
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Apply an antibiotic first aid ointment with anesthetic over the entire abrasion so that you have a thin layer of coverage. Scrapes are often rather painful so a cream with anesthetic helps to cool and ease the pain. Find ointments like this at your local pharmacy.
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Cover the abrasion with a large bandage or sterile gauze and some bandage tape. Keep it covered until you notice the skin has healed over the abrasion. Wait a week or two, depending on the severity of the abrasion.
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Wash the abrasion with soap and water, dab on antibiotic ointment and re-gauze it daily to keep it clean, sterile and to promote healthy healing. Leave the gauze off when you bathe.
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Tips & Warnings
If your abrasion results in extreme pain, excessive bleeding or visibility of underlying bones you have a very serious injury and need to see a medical professional immediately.
If the area begins to display signs of an infection such as swelling, white or yellow fluid, red streaking down the limb or becomes more painful see your doctor to check for infection.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
