In everyday life it is very easy to get minor abrasions and scratches. Falling off your bike can result in a skinned knee. Crawling with the elbow on a rough surface can lead to abrasion. These lesions do not break the skin and are generally not very serious. It is therefore possible to treat them easily at home with a few simple healing methods.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Cleaning a Scratch or Abrasion
Step 1. Wash your hands with soap and water
Before treating a wound on yourself or another person, wash your hands with warm, soapy water. If you are treating another person, wear disposable gloves. Try not to use latex gloves - some people are allergic to this material.
Step 2. Stop any blood leaking
If the scratch or abrasion is still bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Lift the injured body part to stop blood loss. The bleeding should stop within a few moments. If not, the scratch is likely to be more serious than you thought and it is advisable to see a doctor.
Step 3. Wash off the scratch or abrasion
Clean the wound with fresh water and soap. You can also use a clean cloth. Try to remove any visible dirt. Go ahead gently, so as not to cause further injury.
- It may be necessary to use sterilized tweezers to remove any foreign bodies that have ingrown. If you can't get to all the dirt or other foreign bodies, see a doctor.
- It is best to avoid applying harsh substances such as iodine tincture or hydrogen peroxide. These products can damage the skin.
Part 2 of 2: Bandage the Wound
Step 1. Use an antibiotic ointment
After cleaning the wound, spread a small amount of antibiotic ointment on it. Polysporin or Neosporin are a great choice. These products work to fight the infection and help the healing process.
Stop applying the antibiotic ointment if a rash appears
Step 2. Apply a bandage
To protect the scratch from infection, apply a sterile bandage. This is not a necessary step if the scratch is minor: if, for example, the skin is simply peeled, it is likely that it is not necessary to perform a bandage. In fact, keeping a wound uncovered can make the healing process faster.
Step 3. Change your bandage regularly
If you apply a bandage to the wound, change it when it gets wet or dirty. Change bandages at least once a day. When the scratch has healed or healed, do not bandage it anymore: with exposure to fresh air, healing will be faster.
Step 4. Check for infections
If the lesion appears to be infected, see a doctor. Signs of an infection include swelling, redness, a warm sore to the touch, leaking fluid, or intensifying pain. Also check for red streaks around the scratch or fever.
