SYMPTOMS

What is an abrasion?

Skin abrasions are a very common daily occurrence, caused by tangential contact between external forces and the skin, resulting in localized damage. They frequently appear on the palms, elbows, knees, calves, cheeks, and other areas.

The size of abrasions varies. After an abrasion occurs, partial loss of the skin surface can be observed, with the wound appearing pale, flushed, etc., along with numerous small bleeding points and tissue fluid leakage. If the external force is strong or the injury is deep, the wound may extend to the subcutaneous layer, causing full-thickness skin damage. Some injuries may cause significant pain.

Epidermal cells have strong regenerative abilities. If the wound does not become infected, healing is relatively quick and may leave no scars. However, there is also a risk of infection, pus formation, prolonged healing, scar formation, or localized pigmentation, especially if the wound is improperly disinfected or treated after the injury.

TREATMENT

How to Treat Abrasions at Home?

If the wound is shallow with minimal bleeding, you can handle it yourself.

Stop the bleeding and clean the wound.

After washing your hands, press a sterile gauze pad firmly on the wound for 5–15 minutes. Then rinse the surrounding area with clean water or saline solution.

Dress and medicate the wound.

After cleaning, disinfect the wound with povidone-iodine. For small wounds, apply an adhesive bandage. Larger wounds can be covered with clean gauze and left to scab naturally. If the wound shows slight redness or swelling and infection is suspected, apply erythromycin or mupirocin ointment (both available at pharmacies).

Change dressings promptly.

Replace bandages and gauze regularly. If stuck to the wound, moisten with saline solution and gently remove. Change immediately if wet or dirty.

Pain relief.

For severe pain, consider over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.

How Are Abrasions Treated?

• Exposure Therapy: After thorough disinfection and debridement, the wound is left uncovered. Suitable for superficial abrasions in exposed areas, especially in summer when infection risk is high. However, protect the wound surface—avoid bathing, swimming, or exposure to dust before scab formation. If contaminated, disinfect immediately under medical guidance to prevent infection.

• Medication: Common options include growth-promoting agents (e.g., recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor gel), moisturizers (e.g., petroleum jelly dressings), and anti-inflammatory growth aids (e.g., Demolin series, silver-zinc cream, or chlortetracycline eye ointment).

• Bandaging Therapy: Often used for areas prone to friction, such as near joints. Dressings may include sterile gauze with petroleum jelly gauze, butter muslin, ulcer patches, or 3M™ hydrophilic dressings.

• Physical Therapy: Infrared irradiation (30 minutes daily) can aid wound healing alongside other treatments.

Key points: Initial wound care is crucial—thorough debridement and disinfection immediately after injury prevent infection. Follow medical advice for medication and protect the wound from contamination. Avoid smoking and alcohol post-injury to speed up healing.

DIAGNOSIS

When Should You Seek Medical Attention for an Abrasion?

While minor superficial abrasions can be treated at a clinic with disinfection, you should go to the hospital immediately if any of the following occurs:

• Bleeding that doesn't stop;
• Deep skin damage caused by severe force, exposing underlying tissues (such as fat, fascia, or reaching joints/muscles);
• Wounds caused by animal bites/scratches, dirty sharp objects, or if debris in the wound cannot be removed;
• The wound does not heal over time or shows signs of redness, swelling, pain, pus, or persistent discomfort;
• No prior tetanus vaccination or if it has been over 10 years since the last dose;
• After an injury, aside from surface abrasions, symptoms like deformity in the injured area, difficulty moving, or even loss of consciousness occur.

Before going to the hospital, you can perform initial first aid—rinse the wound with clean water and apply pressure with a sterile gauze or towel to stop bleeding. This can help reduce blood loss.

Do not apply salt, powders, or other unusual substances to the wound. Avoid using alcohol, iodine, mercurochrome, or gentian violet on the injury.

POTENTIAL DISEASES

What are the common causes of abrasions?

They are usually caused by external forces. For example, children falling off skateboards and getting abrasions, or minor car accident injuries, etc.