About this topic
Skin abrasions are cuts or scrapes that happen when the top layer of the skin is torn. They are not often serious. You may just need to clean the area and cover it with a bandage. You may need to go to the doctor if you have a more serious wound. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your wound. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- When you may go back to your normal activities
- Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.
- Do not pick the scab when it forms. This may cause scarring.
- Keep the wound covered during activities.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent or fight an infection
- Prevent scarring
You may also get a tetanus shot from your doctor. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activities may be limited if you have deep skin abrasions. ‚
What problems could happen?
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wear protective pads and a helmet when doing sports such as biking, rollerblading, skateboarding, etc.
- Cover skin with clothing.
- Use more lighting in your home.
- Wear shoes that fit the right way to avoid falls.
- Take out or move items in your home that could add to your chance of falling (eg, lamp or extension cords).
- Replace or secure loose carpeting.
- Avoid throw rugs ¢ ˆ ’ use only nonskid rugs.
- Fix any loose flooring or steps both inside and outside of your home.
- Fix uneven sidewalks or holes and cracks.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my abrasion.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have swelling, redness, or warmth around my wound.
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/staying-healthy/first-aid/first-aid-cuts-scrapes-and-stitches.html ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/first_aid/cuts.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚