How to Treat Abrasions

Abrasions are superficial wounds that remove the top layer of skin. Though the wounds are rarely serious, they can be quite painful because the skin's nerve endings are exposed. Careful cleaning and keeping the wound covered is enough to treat most abrasions. If you can't remove all the dirt or foreign material from the abrasion by yourself, see a medical professional for treatment.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Antibacterial ointment
• Clean bandage or membrane dressing
• Over-the-counter pain reliever

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Instructions

• 1

  Press down gently on the wound with a clean cloth if the wound is bleeding. Ten to 20 minutes should be enough to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding is profuse and doesn't stop after 20 minutes, see a doctor.

• 2

  Wash the wound and remove all foreign matter, such as dirt or gravel. Soap and water are fine for cleaning an abrasion; so is clean saline solution. Rubbing alcohol or a 50-50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water are also suitable for initial cleaning, though doctors say that alcohol and hydrogen peroxide impair healing if used too frequently.

• 3

  Apply antibacterial ointment to the wound.

• 4

  Cover the wound with a clean bandage. Some doctors recommend semipermeable dressings that form a blister-like covering over the abrasion. These types of dressings keep the wound moist and prevent scab formation, which in turn promotes healing and reduces the likelihood of scars.

• 5

  Change the dressing every two to three days. Avoid getting the bandage wet while bathing.

• 6

  Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if the abrasion is causing you pain.