A rubbing burn is an abrasion of the skin caused by friction against a rough surface. This type of injury can be of different severities, from a simple excoriation of the skin that turns pink, to the loss of several layers of epidermis that can even expose the living flesh. Most cases of rubbing burns can be treated at home; however, if an infection develops or if the burn covers a large area of the body, you need to see your doctor to find the right treatment.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Treat the Wound Immediately
Step 1. Wash your hands before treating the injury
Abrasion has damaged the skin, which is the body's first line of defense; therefore it can become infected if bacteria enter the body through the wound.
Step 2. Clean the skin surface
Gently wash it with a clean cloth, warm water, and antibacterial soap. Make sure you remove any visible dirt. This helps prevent any infections.
Step 3. Disinfect the wound
It must be disinfected to protect it from any risk of infection. Use iodine, hydrogen peroxide, or an antiseptic if you notice any dirt in the abrasion or if the bleeding areas are deep. Wet a cotton ball with the disinfectant and gently pat the injured area. Be aware that all disinfectants can cause some pain when applied to broken skin.
Alcohol can cause pain and harm, so you should avoid using it
Step 4. Apply antibacterial cream to the abrasion
Apply an ointment such as Neosporin, or another analogue, to the rubbing burn.
Check the wound carefully to make sure there is no other deeper damage, such as cuts or lacerations. these need medical attention if they are severe
Step 5. Cover the burn with gauze or an adhesive bandage
Protect the area with a bandage without putting too much pressure. Remove the bandage and check the wound after 24 hours. When the surface of the skin begins to heal or crust, the lesion heals best if you leave it uncovered and exposed to the air. Instead, cover it with a new bandage for another 24 hours if the skin is still red, inflamed, and no scabs have formed yet.
Part 2 of 2: Treating the Abrasion
Step 1. Run cold water over the lesion
If the area is hot and painful, try running some cold water over it. Hold the wound under running water for 5-10 minutes every hour or two.
Do not apply ice to the wound or even butter
Step 2. Do not wear clothing over the rubbing burn
Tissues can irritate the wound; if you absolutely have to get dressed, cover the abrasion beforehand with a gauze or bandage.
Step 3. Keep the area dry
Prevents the abrasion from being exposed to moisture, as this favors the development of bacteria; dry the skin with a cotton swab if it gets wet.
- If you see the wound oozing, do not rub it and do not irritate it further; rather remove the gauze or bandage and let it air dry.
- If you ooze pus or blood, see a doctor right away.
Step 4. Cover the affected area with aloe
Apply some aloe to the wound to speed up the healing process. Aloe is commercially available in many forms: spray, gel, liquid, lotion and cream. You can also possibly get it directly from the plant, which is also the most potent version. Just cut a small portion of the leaf and squeeze the gel inside directly on the wound.
Step 5. Try honey
Spread some on the affected skin; this can relieve itching and help speed up healing.
Step 6. Make a paste with marigold flowers and parsley leaves
Chop some marigold flowers and parsley leaves and mix them together to create a paste; then spread it over the wound to help it heal.
Step 7. Make a turmeric paste
This spice has been found to stimulate skin regeneration and clean wounds. Make a mixture with 1/4 of a teaspoon (1 ml) of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of cocoa butter. Apply the paste to the injured area 3 times a day.
Step 8. Use essential oils
Several essential oils can aid the healing process; lavender is known to facilitate healing thanks to its regenerative and antiseptic properties; it can also help relieve pain. Thyme also has the same regenerative and antiseptic properties.
- Apply 2-3 drops of essential oil on gauze and press it on the abrasion, be sure to change it 2-3 times a day.
- You can also cleanse the wound with 5-6 drops of essential oil diluted in a glass of water.
Step 9. Avoid applying healing lotions, oils and powders
Some products can cause further damage to the rubbing injury. You should therefore avoid putting lotions, healing powders, oils, sunscreens and alcohol on the injured area.
Step 10. Increase your vitamin intake
Increasing your intake can improve the healing process. Increase your vitamin C intake to boost your immune system and protect you from bacteria. Eat more citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, and tomatoes. Take a vitamin C supplement every day if your diet is deficient.
Eat more foods rich in vitamin E. Among these, the most suitable are milk, eggs, whole grains, spinach and asparagus. Vitamin E is high in antioxidants, which help the body heal
Step 11. Check if the abrasion shows signs of infection
If you notice signs of infection developing or the wound does not heal, you should see your doctor. Among the main symptoms you need to look out for are redness and softness to the touch, pus seeping from the lesion, a red rash extending from the wound, soft-to-the-touch lumps in the armpits or groin, and fever.
Warnings
- The crusting and healing phase of a rubbing abrasion is often quite itchy. Avoid scratching or scabbing yourself, as this will delay the healing process and could lead to an infection.
- The following items should not be used to treat a rubbing burn: ice, baby oil, butter, lotion, or healing powders.
