Overview

Scrapes (abrasions) are skin wounds that rub or tear off skin. Most scrapes are shallow and do not extend far into the skin. But some may remove several layers of skin. Usually there is little bleeding from a scrape, but it may ooze pinkish fluid. Most scrapes are minor, so home treatment is usually all that is needed to care for the wound.

Scrapes happen most often in warm weather or warm climates, when the skin on the arms and legs is more exposed. They are most often caused by mishaps or falls. But they can occur anytime the skin is rubbed against a hard surface, such as the ground, a sidewalk, a carpet, an artificial playing surface, or a road (road rash). School-age children 5 to 9 years old are most affected.

Scrapes can happen on any part of the body, but they usually affect bony areas, such as the hands, forearms, elbows, knees, or shins. Scrapes on the head or face may look worse than they are and may bleed a lot because of the good blood supply to these areas. Controlling the bleeding will help you to see how serious the injury is. Scrapes are usually more painful than cuts. That's because scrapes tear a larger area of skin and expose more nerve endings.

How a scrape heals depends on how deep it is, how large it is, and where it is on your body. Sometimes the injury that caused the scrape also causes one or more cuts that may need to be treated by a doctor.

Self-Care

Minor scrapes can be treated at home. Home treatment can prevent infection and promote healing. How a scrape heals depends on how deep it is, how large it is, and where it is on your body.

Try these tips for treating a scrape.

• Stop the bleeding.

  Apply direct pressure to the wound.

  Non-prescription products can be applied to the skin to help stop mild bleeding of minor cuts, lacerations, or scrapes. Before you buy or use these products, be sure to read the label carefully. Follow the label's instructions when you apply the product.

  A scrape may continue to ooze small amounts of blood for up to 24 hours. It may ooze clear, yellowish, or blood-tinged fluid for several days.

• Clean the wound as soon as you can.

  This lowers the chance of infection, scarring, and "tattooing." (If dirt or other debris is not removed from a scrape, the new skin will heal over it. The dirt can then be seen through the skin and may look like a tattoo.)

  • Remove any splinters from the scrape before you get the splinters wet.
  • Use a large amount of water under moderate pressure (faucet at least halfway open). Washing the wound will remove as much dirt, debris, and bacteria as possible. It reduces the risk of infection.
  • If you have a water sprayer in your kitchen sink, try using the sprayer to wash the wound. This usually removes most of the dirt and other objects from the wound. Avoid getting any spray from the wound into your eyes. It may be easier to rinse a large, dirty scrape in the shower.
  • Wash the wound for 5 minutes with large amounts of clean, running water. Some non-prescription products for wound cleaning can numb the area so that cleaning it doesn't hurt as much. Be sure to read the product label for correct use.
  • Scrub gently with a face cloth. Moderate scrubbing may be needed if the wound is very dirty. Scrubbing your scrape will probably hurt and may make it bleed more. But scrubbing is needed so you can clean the wound thoroughly.
  • Don't use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or Mercurochrome. They can harm the tissue and slow healing.
• Check to see if other tissues have been injured.

  These tissues include blood vessels, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, bones, and internal organs.

• Apply a bandage, if needed.

  Most scrapes heal well and may not need a bandage. You may need to protect the scrape from dirt or irritation. Be sure to clean the scrape thoroughly before bandaging it. Cleaning reduces the chance that you'll get an infection under the bandage. Scrapes may heal with or without forming a scab.

  If you use a bandage:

  • Choose the bandage carefully. There are many products available. Liquid skin bandages and moisture-enhancing bandages are available with other first-aid products. Before you buy or use one, be sure to read the label carefully. Follow the label's instructions when you apply the bandage.
  • If you use a cloth-like bandage, apply a clean bandage when your bandage gets wet or soiled. It will help prevent infection. If a bandage is stuck to a scab, soak it in warm water. Soaking will soften the scab and make the bandage easier to remove. If available, use a non-stick dressing. There are many bandage products available. Be sure to read the product label for correct use.
  • Watch for signs of infection. If you have an infection under a bandage, you may need treatment from a doctor.
  • Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, lightly to the wound. It will keep the bandage from sticking to the wound.
• Treat pain and swelling.

  Prop up the injured area on a pillow anytime you sit or lie down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.

If you are concerned that the injury is more serious, you may need to be checked by a doctor to see if you need stitches or a tetanus shot.

Need for a tetanus shot

To decide if you need a tetanus shot after a wound, first decide if the object that caused the wound was dirty or clean. An object is dirty if it has dirt, soil, spit, or feces on it. A clean object does not have dirt, soil, spit, or feces on it.

You will need a tetanus shot if:

• Your wound was caused by something that was clean and your last tetanus shot was longer than 10 years ago.
• Your wound was caused by something that was dirty and your last tetanus shot was longer than 5 years ago.
• You are not sure if your wound was caused by something clean or dirty and your last tetanus shot was longer than 5 years ago.
• You are not sure when you had your last tetanus shot.
• You did not get the first series of tetanus shots (primary vaccination series).

If you need a tetanus shot, call your doctor to arrange for a shot.

Some people may need tetanus immunoglobulin (IG) for a wound that is at high risk for developing tetanus. The immunoglobulin is usually only needed if you have not (or do not know if you have) completed the tetanus primary vaccination series.

When to call for help during self-care

Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home:

• New or worse signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or a fever.
• New loss of function near the wound.
• Decreased blood flow, such as cool, pale skin near the wound.
• Pain gets worse.
• Symptoms occur more often or are more severe.

Learn more

Preparing For Your Appointment