Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Abrasion
An abrasion is a cut or a scrape on the surface of the skin. An abrasion does not go through all the layers of the skin. It is important to care for an abrasion properly to prevent infection.
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by rubbing your skin on something or falling on a surface, such as the ground. When your skin rubs on something, some layers of skin may rub off.
What are the signs or symptoms?
The main symptom of this condition is a cut or a scrape. The cut or scrape may be bleeding, or it may appear red or pink. If your abrasion was caused by a fall, there may be a bruise under your cut or scrape.
How is this diagnosed?
An abrasion is diagnosed with a physical exam.
How is this treated?
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Your abrasion will be cleaned with water and mild soap. This is done to remove any dirt or debris (such as tiny bits of glass or rock) that may be stuck in your wound.
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An antibiotic ointment may be applied to your abrasion to help prevent infection.
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A bandage (dressing) may be placed on your abrasion to keep it clean.
You may also need a tetanus shot.
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
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Take or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, use it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
Wound care
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Clean your wound 1 or 2 times a day, or as told by your health care provider. To do this:
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Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with mild soap and water. Do this before and after you clean your wound.
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Wash your wound with mild soap and water and then rinse off the soap.
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Pat your wound dry with a clean towel. Do not rub your wound.
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Keep your dressing clean and dry as told by your health care provider.
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There are many different ways to close and cover a wound. Follow instructions from your health care provider about caring for your wound and about changing and removing your dressing. You may have to change your dressing one or more times a day, or as directed by your health care provider.
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Check your wound every day for signs of infection. Check for:
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Redness, especially a red streak that spreads out from your wound.
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Swelling or increased pain.
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Warmth.
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Blood, fluid, pus, or a bad smell.
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Managing pain and swelling
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If directed, put ice on the injured area. To do this:
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Put ice in a plastic bag.
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Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
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Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
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Remove the ice if your skin turns bright red. This is very important. If you cannot feel pain, heat, or cold, you have a greater risk of damage to the area.
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If possible, raise (elevate) the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.
General instructions
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Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. Ask your doctor about taking showers or sponge baths.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You received a tetanus shot, and you have swelling, severe pain, redness, or bleeding at your injection site.
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Your pain is not controlled with medicine.
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You have a fever.
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You have any of these signs of infection:
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Redness, swelling, or more pain around your wound.
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Warmth coming from your wound.
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Blood, fluid, pus, or a bad smell coming from your wound.
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Get help right away if:
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You have a red streak spreading away from your wound.
Summary
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An abrasion is a cut or a scrape on the surface of the skin. Care for your abrasion properly to prevent infection.
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Clean your wound with mild soap and water 1 or 2 times a day or as often as told. Follow instructions from your health care provider about taking medicines and changing your bandage (dressing).
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Contact your health care provider if you have a fever or if you have redness, swelling, or more pain around your wound.
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Contact your health care provider if you have warmth, blood, fluid, pus, or a bad smell coming from your wound.
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Get help right away if there is a red streak spreading away from your wound.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
