Abrasions

What are Abrasions?

Abrasions, also known as scrapes or grazes, are injuries to the skin caused by scraping or rubbing against a rough surface. They are typically minor wounds that affect only the outermost layers of the skin (epidermis). Abrasions are very common and can happen to anyone, at any time.

Common Causes of Abrasions

Typically abrasions can be caused by a variety of mundane actions. Some of these may include:

• Falls: This is the most common cause of abrasions, especially in children. A fall onto a rough surface, such as pavement, gravel, or carpet, can easily scrape away the top layer of skin.
• Friction from sports or other activities: Activities such as running, biking, skateboarding, and playing sports can all lead to abrasions. This is especially common if you fall or slide on a rough surface.
• Contact with a rough surface: Brushing up against a rough surface, such as a brick wall or tree bark, can also cause an abrasion.
• Animal bites or scratches: Bites or scratches from animals can break the skin and cause an abrasion. This is especially common with pets such as cats and dogs.

Symptoms of Abrasions

Abrasions, though common, do come with some telltale symptoms. Here’s what to look out for:

• Mild pain: The scrape might sting or burn, especially right after the injury.
• Light bleeding: Minor abrasions often cause some bleeding, but it shouldn’t be excessive.
• Skin discoloration: The area around the abrasion may appear red or pink due to inflammation.
• Fluid leakage: A clear or pinkish fluid may ooze from the wound as part of the body’s cleaning process.
• Discomfort: The affected area might feel tender or sensitive to touch.

Possible Complications of Abrasions

Abrasions are usually minor injuries, but there can be some complications if they’re not cared for properly. Here are the most common ones:

• Infection: This is the most frequent complication. Bacteria can enter the wound through the scraped skin, causing redness, swelling, pus, increased pain, and even fever. Proper cleaning and wound care are crucial to prevent infection.
• Scarring: Deeper abrasions or those that get infected have a higher risk of leaving scars. To minimize scarring, keep the wound clean and moist during healing, and avoid picking at it.
• Tetanus: Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system. It can enter the body through any wound, including abrasions. Make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date to prevent this potentially life-threatening illness.
• Pigmentation changes: In some cases, the new skin beneath the healed abrasion may be darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. This usually fades over time, but consult a doctor if it persists.

The Abrasion Healing Process

The healing process for abrasions is amazing and orchestrated by your body in stages:

1. Stopping the bleeding and fighting infection: Right after the scrape happens, your body takes action to seal the wound and prevent infection. Blood vessels constrict to limit bleeding, and platelets form a clot. Then, white blood cells jump in to clean the area of any bacteria or debris.
2. Inflammation and rebuilding: The scrape will likely become inflamed, which is a sign your body is sending extra blood flow and healing cells to the area. This can cause redness, swelling, and some discomfort. During this stage, new skin cells start to grow at the edges of the wound.
3. Scab formation and protection: As new skin cells grow across the wound, a scab forms. This scab acts as a protective cover, shielding the delicate new tissue beneath. It’s important to resist picking at the scab, as this can disrupt healing and increase scarring.
4. Shedding the scab and revealing new skin: Once the new skin layer is strong enough, the scab will naturally dry out and fall off. The new skin underneath will likely be pink or red at first, but gradually fades to match the surrounding skin tone. This process can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the size and depth of the abrasion.

Here are some tips to promote healing and minimize scarring:

• Clean the wound gently with soap and water to remove dirt and debris.
• Apply a topical antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection.
• Cover the wound with a bandage to protect it from further irritation.
• Keep the area clean and dry to promote healing.

How should you treat an abrasion?

Due to their nature, most abrasions can be dealt with at home. Here is a guideline on how to deal with abrasions. 

1. Cleanse the Wound:  This is priority one. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid introducing any bacteria to the abrasion. Then, gently clean the wound itself with cool running water and mild soap. Aim to remove any dirt or debris visible on the surface. Be careful not to scrub harshly, as this can irritate the wound further.
2. Stop the Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze pad to control any minor bleeding. Elevating the injured area above the heart can also help reduce blood flow and promote clotting.
3. Antiseptic and Ointment: Once the bleeding has stopped and the wound is clean, you can apply a thin layer of an antiseptic solution like povidone-iodine or a topical antibiotic ointment like bacitracin or neosporin. These can help prevent infection.
4. Bandaging: Minor abrasions that aren’t on the hands or feet might not require a bandage. However, for exposed wounds or those in areas prone to friction, a bandage can help keep the area clean and protected. Choose an adhesive bandage or gauze pad and non-stick dressing to avoid sticking to the wound.
5. Monitor and Clean Daily: Keep an eye on the abrasion for signs of infection like increasing redness, swelling, or pus. Clean the wound gently with soap and water at least once daily, and reapply ointment and a fresh bandage if needed.

Here are some additional tips for dealing with abrasions:

• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage any discomfort.
• Tetanus Shot: Ensure your tetanus vaccination is up-to-date to prevent this serious infection.
• Let it Breathe: When possible, expose the abrasion to air to aid healing. However, keep it covered in dusty or dirty environments.
• Resist Picking: It can be tempting to pick at scabs, but avoid it! This can prolong healing and increase scarring.

If the abrasion is large, deep, or accompanied by excessive bleeding, puncture wounds, or signs of infection, seek medical attention right away.

How to prevent Abrasions?

Preventing abrasions involves taking precautions to minimize the risk of injury from friction or contact with rough surfaces. Here are some strategies to help prevent abrasions:

• Wear helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves for sports, cycling, skateboarding, and other activities where falls are common. This gear creates a barrier between your skin and the ground if you take a tumble.
• Closed-toe shoes with strong soles are your friends, especially for hiking, biking, or working outdoors. They shield your feet and ankles from scrapes and bumps.
• Be aware of surfaces like asphalt, concrete, gravel, or uneven ground. These can cause abrasions if you fall or scrape against them.
• Make sure play areas are free of anything dangerous like sharp objects, rough edges, or abrasive surfaces. Use soft materials like wood chips or rubber mulch under playground equipment to break falls.
• Proper training and technique in sports can help you avoid falls and collisions that might lead to abrasions. Follow safety rules and guidelines specific to your sport to minimize injuries.
• Regularly inspect and maintain equipment like bicycles, skateboards, or sports gear. Make sure everything is in good condition and doesn’t have any defects that could cause accidents.
• When using tools or machinery, wear appropriate protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection. This shields you from sharp edges, flying debris, or contact with abrasive surfaces.
• Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid distractions while walking, driving, or doing activities that require focus and coordination. This helps prevent accidents that could lead to abrasions.
• Knowing how to clean and dress minor wounds can help prevent infections and speed up healing. This reduces the risk of complications from abrasions.
• Being tired or dehydrated can make you clumsy and slow to react, increasing your chances of accidents. Get enough sleep and stay hydrated to stay alert and prevent injuries.

Most prescribed medications for Abrasions

Medications prescribed for abrasions typically focus on preventing infection and promoting healing. Here are some common medications that may be prescribed or recommended for treating abrasions:

• Antibiotic Ointments: Topical antibiotic ointments such as Bacitracin, Neosporin, or Polysporin are often recommended to apply to the abrasion. These ointments help prevent infection by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria on the wound.
• Antiseptic Solutions: Antiseptic solutions like povidone-iodine (Betadine) or chlorhexidine may be used to clean the abrasion and reduce the risk of infection before applying a dressing.
• Topical Analgesics: Over-the-counter topical analgesic creams or sprays containing ingredients like lidocaine or benzocaine may be recommended to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the abrasion.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) may be recommended to help reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling caused by the abrasion.
• Tetanus Vaccination: If the abrasion is deep or if it has been caused by a dirty or rusty object, a tetanus vaccination may be required if the person’s immunization status is not up-to-date. Tetanus vaccinations are typically recommended every 10 years.
• Prescription Antibiotics: In cases where there is a high risk of infection or if the abrasion becomes infected, a healthcare provider may prescribe oral antibiotics to treat the infection. This is more common with larger or deeper abrasions or those located in areas prone to bacterial contamination.