How to Treat Abrasion and Minor Scratches: 7 Steps

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How to Treat Abrasion and Minor Scratches: 7 Steps
How to Treat Abrasion and Minor Scratches: 7 Steps

Video: How to Treat Abrasion and Minor Scratches: 7 Steps

Video: How to Treat Abrasion and Minor Scratches: 7 Steps
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You can suffer from abrasions as well as minor scrapes in your daily life. For example, when you fall off a bicycle, you may cause your knee to scrape. Elbows rubbing against hard surfaces can also trigger abrasion. Injuries like these do not damage the skin and are generally not serious. You can easily treat it at home using some basic treatment methods.

Step

Part 1 of 2: Cleaning Scratch or Abrasion Wounds

Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches Step 1
Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches Step 1

Step 1. Wash hands with soap and water

Before starting to treat your wound or someone else's, clean your hands with warm water and soap. If you are caring for someone else, wear disposable gloves. Try to find one that is not made of latex as some people are allergic to it.

Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches Step 2
Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches Step 2

Step 2. Stop the bleeding

If your cut or abrasion is still bleeding, gently apply pressure using a clean cloth or cotton swab. Pile up the injured area to help stop it. The bleeding should subside after a few minutes. Otherwise, your scratch may be more serious. Visit a doctor immediately.

Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches Step 3
Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches Step 3

Step 3. Wash the wound or abrasion

Clean the injured area with fresh water and soap. You can also use a clean cloth. Try to get rid of any visible dirt. Be careful not to add to the injury.

  • You may need to use sterilized tweezers to remove any debris embedded in the wound. If you can't remove all the dust or other debris, see a doctor.
  • You should not use harsh substances such as iodine or hydrogen peroxide. These products can injure the skin.

Part 2 of 2: Bandaging the Wound

Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches Step 4
Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches Step 4

Step 1. Use an antibiotic ointment

After cleaning the wound, apply a small amount of antibiotic cream. Examples of good choices are Polysporin or Neosporin. These products fight infection and aid in the recovery process.

Stop using antibiotic ointment if you develop a rash

Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches Step 5
Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches Step 5

Step 2. Apply plaster

To protect the wound from infection, apply a sterile bandage. You don't need to do this if your wound is minor. For example, if the skin is only slightly scratched, you may not need to apply the tape. In fact, actually keeping the wound from closing can speed up the healing process.

Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches Step 6
Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches Step 6

Step 3. Change the plaster regularly

If you put a plaster on a wound, change it when it gets wet or dirty. Do it once a day. Once the wound begins to dry or heal, remove the plaster. The fresh air will help him recover faster.

Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches Step 7
Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches Step 7

Step 4. Watch for signs of infection

If the wound appears to be infected, see a doctor. These signs include swelling, redness, warmth at the wound, discharge, or increased pain. Also be aware of the red streaks around it or if you have a fever.

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