Minor cuts, scrapes, and skin abrasions are part of everyday life. Abrasions can occur anytime accidentally. It is common among children. Basic skin injuries are simple to treat and often do not require further medical attention.
Abrasion or brush burn is a minor injury that occurs when skin is torn off. It is notable from incised wounds, which are more severe injuries.
Abrasions usually can be treated at home, and going to emergency room is not necessary.
Common causes of skin abrasions
Abrasions can happen in many ordinary situations every day. People who play contact sports and children are just some who usually experience wounds from abrasions, cuts and scrapes. It is normally begun by falling, skidding and other types of accidents.
Patient’s age, health, and extent of injury are factors to determine the amount of time for an abrasion to heal. Smoking, diet, weather conditions and existing medical conditions are also factors that affect the rate of abrasion healing.
Signs and Symptoms
When abrasions occur, you may experience the following:
- Bleeding
- Discomfort
- Peeling
- Scabbing
You can also observe a pinkish fluid oozing from the affected area.
Head and face abrasions may bleed further than abrasions elsewhere in the body. Larger abrasions may create more pain than smaller abrasions, due to more exposed nerve endings from skin scraping.
How to prevent abrasions?
It is hard to prevent an abrasion, as they are often accidental due to every day exposures. Surrounding awareness and paying attention to the activities can help reduce accidental scrapes, fall or injury.
Preventive steps on abrasions include:
- Know how to properly use tools, kitchen supplies and sharp objects.
- Wear safety gears.
- Wear gloves, pants, or other layers of clothes for protection of the skin.
- Ensure that you are in a well-lit area
Remember to have a well-stocked first aid kit to provide immediate treatment for abrasions. These are some helpful items for managing abrasion-related injuries.
- Antibiotic ointment
- Bandages
- Gauze
- Clean cloth
Treatment of Abrasions
If suffering from abrasion, you may be uncomfortable, irritable or frightened. Any discomfort will be temporary.
Skin abrasions heal between 5 to 10 days, depending on the severity of the wound. It is important to treat them properly to prevent infection.
Mild skin abrasion can be treated by using home remedies. Deep abrasion that is still inflamed or painful after 15 days, you should seek medical attention already.
Top 10 Home Remedies
- Clean the abrasion
a. Wash the affected area with antibacterial soap and cool water
b. Gently pat dry with a clean cloth
c. Apply thickly several antiseptic creams or moisturizing lotion above the area to retain the skin moisturized
d. Protect it with a sterilized dressing or bandage
e. Change the dressing regularly, at least once daily.
- Aloe Vera
- Honey
- Coconut oil
- Turmeric
- Plantain
- Indian Lilac
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C intake
- Calendula