Have you fallen off your motorcycle, bicycle, skateboard or skating and scratched an area of skin? If so, you have suffered a friction burn, which can also be very painful; But know that you can put procedures in place to make sure you are well and start the healing process.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Determine the Severity of the Injury
Step 1. Move to a safe area if possible
If your accident occurs in a potentially dangerous area, for example in the middle of a road, you should move to a safer area (off the road) if you are able to do so. This will reduce the risk of further injury.
Step 2. Stabilize life-threatening wounds
First make sure that you (or the victim) can move freely and that there are no broken bones. If you find yourself in one of these two conditions, stop immediately and call or ask someone close to call an ambulance.
If a head injury has occurred, check for a concussion
Step 3. Assess the severity of the injury
If you can't see the wound clearly on your own, ask someone for help. Call your local emergency number if the wound has the following characteristics:
- It is deep enough to allow you to see the underlying fat, muscle or bone.
- A lot of blood comes out.
- Its edges are jagged and distant from each other.
Step 4. Make sure there are no other injuries
Some damage may be hidden under the skin, where it is not possible to see the signs. If you feel faint, dizzy, have limited movement, or are in extreme pain, consider seeing a doctor right away for help.
Part 2 of 4: Treat the Wound
Step 1. Wash your hands before treating the abrasion
You do not have to cause an infection when taking care of a friction burn, so be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap before starting the dressing. If you want more protection, you can also wear disposable gloves.
Step 2. Stop all forms of bleeding
If you notice any type of bleeding from the wound, you must stop it by applying pressure to the area.
- Place a clean cloth or gauze over the bleeding area of the wound and apply some pressure for a few minutes.
- Change the fabric or gauze if it gets soaked in blood.
- If the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes you should contact a doctor, as stitches may need to be placed.
Step 3. Rinse the wound
Let cold running water wash the lesion or pour it over it. Try to get someone else to help you if you can't see or reach the exact spot of the injury. Keep the affected area in contact with water for a long time, to be sure that the liquid reaches every point and wash away as much dirt and debris as possible.
Step 4. Wash the wound
Use antibacterial soap and water to clean the area around the abrasion, but avoid the soap from ending up on the wound itself, as it could cause irritation. This way you eliminate the bacteria present and avoid possible infections.
Hydrogen peroxide and iodine tincture have always been used to disinfect skin wounds. However, be aware that both can actually damage living cells, so some medical professionals now recommend not applying them to open wounds anymore
Step 5. Remove any debris
If any debris is stuck in the wound, such as dirt, sand, splinters, and so on, use tweezers to carefully remove this material. But first, be sure to clean and sterilize the tweezers by wiping them with a cotton ball or gauze soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Finally rinse with fresh water, once the foreign bodies have been removed.
If debris or other materials have gone so deep into the abrasion that you cannot remove them, contact a doctor
Step 6. Dry the area gently
After rinsing and washing the wound, take a clean cloth or towel and dry the area very carefully. Try to pat rather than scrub to avoid unnecessary pain.
Step 7. Apply antibiotic cream, especially if the wound was dirty
This can avoid infection and help the skin heal well.
- There are numerous types of antibiotic creams and ointments that contain different active ingredients or combinations thereof (such as bacitracin, neomycin and polymyxin, for example). Always carefully follow the instructions attached to the drug package to know the exact dosage and method of application.
- Some antibiotics with 3 active ingredients, such as Neosporin, also contain neomycin, which can cause contact skin allergies. If you notice redness, itching or swelling after applying one of these drugs, discontinue use immediately and replace it with one containing polymyxin or bacitracin, but not neomycin.
- If for any reason a topical antibiotic cream cannot be used, apply petroleum jelly or Aquaphor to the wound area. This will keep the site moist as it heals.
Step 8. Cover the wound
Make sure you cover it with a bandage to protect it from dirt, infection and irritation from rubbing with clothing during the time it takes to heal. It is best to use a bandage that does not adhere to the wound or a sterile gauze that you can hold in place with tape or a rubber band.
Step 9. Lift the wound
Keeping the wound elevated (or higher than heart level) will help reduce swelling and pain. This is very useful in the first 24 to 48 hours after the accident and is especially important if the wound is severe or infected.
Part 3 of 4: Caring for the Wound While Healing
Step 1. Apply fresh bandages as needed
Change the dressing that covers the wound every day or even more often if you notice it getting wet or dirty. Remove all traces of dirt from the area with water and an antibacterial soap, as described above.
Step 2. Reapply the antibiotic cream every day
Treat the abrasion every time you change the dressing. While this procedure alone does not allow the wound to heal faster, it does help ward off possible infections. It also prevents the wound from drying out and forming scabs with possible scars.
Step 3. Lift the wound
Continuing to keep the wound elevated (or above heart level) will help reduce swelling and pain. This is especially important if the wound is severe or infected.
Step 4. Manage the pain
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if you experience pain in the affected area, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- Ibuprofen is also an anti-inflammatory and can help reduce swelling.
- If the skin around the wound is dry or itchy, apply a moisturizing lotion to relieve this discomfort.
- Wear clothing that does not irritate the injured area. If possible, wear clothes that do not rub against asphalt abrasion during the healing phase. For example, if the wound is on the arm, try wearing short-sleeved clothing; if it is on the leg, wear shorts, so that you feel more comfortable.
Step 5. Eat and drink well
Make sure you drink plenty of fluids (about 6-8 8-ounce glasses, mostly water, per day) and eat healthy foods while you heal. Staying hydrated and nourished will help the process.
Step 6. Take it easy
You will need to rest the wound area as it heals. For example, if the wound is on the leg, it is necessary to avoid vigorous activities such as running and climbing. Avoiding wound overexertion will help healing.
Step 7. Pay attention to the healing process
By taking proper care of the wound, the friction burn should heal within a couple of weeks.
The exact time it takes for the wound to heal depends on a number of factors, such as age, diet, whether you are a smoker, your stress level, whether you suffer from any illness, and so on. In addition, antibiotic creams only serve the function of warding off infections, but do not allow for faster healing. If your wound seems to heal unusually slowly, see a doctor, as it could mean that there is a more serious problem, such as an illness
Step 8. Contact a doctor if things seem to be getting worse
You must be examined by a professional:
- If the wound is dirty or contains other foreign material that you cannot get out.
- If it ignites or swells.
- If you see red streaks radiating from the lesion.
- If the wound site drains pus, especially if it smells bad.
- If you have flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, etc.).
Part 4 of 4: Preventing the Dangers of Asphalt Abrasion
Step 1. Put on sturdy, protective clothing
Wearing appropriate protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, can help protect the skin from bruising. If you engage in activities that can lead to injury, wear appropriate protective gear. The use of protective clothing will greatly decrease the chances of serious injury.
- For example, consider wearing elbow, wrist and knee protectors when playing sports like skateboarding and skating.
- Wearing a helmet will protect your head from injury in these and other activities, such as cycling.
Step 2. Practice safely
Learn how to properly use any gear related to your activities, such as motorcycles, bicycles, etc. Also, avoid trying dangerous stunts and other reckless acts. Being careful on the road is an easy way to reduce the risk of abrasions and injuries.
Step 3. Make sure you are vaccinated against tetanus
Most asphalt abrasions are exposed to dirt, and possibly metal and other debris. This can mean that there is a risk of getting a tetanus infection. Adults should also get a tetanus vaccine booster if it's been more than 5 years since the last time and they've suffered a dirty wound. See your doctor to get one as soon as possible in case of an asphalt abrasion.
