How to Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches
Wash your hands with soap and water., Stop any bleeding., Wash your scrape or abrasion., Use an antibiotic ointment., Apply a bandage., Switch bandages regularly., Watch for infection.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Wash your hands with soap and water.
Before you start treating your or another person’s wound, clean your hands with warm water and soap.
If you are treating another person, put on disposable gloves.Try to have non-latex gloves on hand because some people have latex allergies.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds and dry them on a clean towel. -
Step 2: Stop any bleeding.
If your scratch or abrasion is still bleeding, apply gentle pressure to it with a clean cloth or cotton swab.
Elevate the injured body part to help stop bleeding.The bleeding should cease after a few minutes.
If not, your scratch is likely more serious and you should visit a doctor. , Clean your injury with fresh water and soap.
You can use a clean cloth as well.Try to remove any visible dirt.
Be gentle so that you do not cause further injury.
You might need to use sterilized tweezers to remove any ingrained dirt.
If you cannot reach all the dirt or other objects, see your physician.You should not apply harsh substances like iodine or hydrogen peroxide.
These products can hurt your skin.Avoid applying alcohol directly to wounds as well. , After you have cleaned your wound, use a small amount of antibiotic cream on the the wound.
Polysporin or Neosporin are good choices.
These products work to fight infection and assist recovery.Quit applying antibiotic ointments if you develop a rash., To protect your scrape from infection, put on a sterile bandage.
You do not need to do this if your scrape is minor.
For example, if your skin is merely grazed, you likely do not need a bandage.
In fact, keeping a wound uncovered can make the healing process go faster., If you apply a bandage to your wound, change it when it becomes wet or soiled.
Minimally, apply a new bandage once daily.
Once your scrape has scabbed or otherwise healed, apply no more bandages.
Giving it access to fresh air will help it heal faster., If your wound appears to be infected, see a doctor.
Signs of infection include swelling, redness, a warm wound, oozing of fluids, or escalating pain.Watch additionally for red lines around the scrape or a fever. -
Step 3: Wash your scrape or abrasion.
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Step 4: Use an antibiotic ointment.
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Step 5: Apply a bandage.
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Step 6: Switch bandages regularly.
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Step 7: Watch for infection.
Detailed Guide
Before you start treating your or another person’s wound, clean your hands with warm water and soap.
If you are treating another person, put on disposable gloves.Try to have non-latex gloves on hand because some people have latex allergies.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds and dry them on a clean towel.
If your scratch or abrasion is still bleeding, apply gentle pressure to it with a clean cloth or cotton swab.
Elevate the injured body part to help stop bleeding.The bleeding should cease after a few minutes.
If not, your scratch is likely more serious and you should visit a doctor. , Clean your injury with fresh water and soap.
You can use a clean cloth as well.Try to remove any visible dirt.
Be gentle so that you do not cause further injury.
You might need to use sterilized tweezers to remove any ingrained dirt.
If you cannot reach all the dirt or other objects, see your physician.You should not apply harsh substances like iodine or hydrogen peroxide.
These products can hurt your skin.Avoid applying alcohol directly to wounds as well. , After you have cleaned your wound, use a small amount of antibiotic cream on the the wound.
Polysporin or Neosporin are good choices.
These products work to fight infection and assist recovery.Quit applying antibiotic ointments if you develop a rash., To protect your scrape from infection, put on a sterile bandage.
You do not need to do this if your scrape is minor.
For example, if your skin is merely grazed, you likely do not need a bandage.
In fact, keeping a wound uncovered can make the healing process go faster., If you apply a bandage to your wound, change it when it becomes wet or soiled.
Minimally, apply a new bandage once daily.
Once your scrape has scabbed or otherwise healed, apply no more bandages.
Giving it access to fresh air will help it heal faster., If your wound appears to be infected, see a doctor.
Signs of infection include swelling, redness, a warm wound, oozing of fluids, or escalating pain.Watch additionally for red lines around the scrape or a fever.
About the Author
Emily Tucker
Specializes in breaking down complex lifestyle topics into simple steps.
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