Other names for Abrasions

Grazes
Scrapes
Skin scrapes
Superficial wounds
Surface wounds

Synopsis of Abrasions

Abrasions are superficial wounds that occur when the skin rubs or scrapes against a rough surface, damaging the outer layers (epidermis). Unlike deeper cuts, abrasions typically don’t penetrate through the skin, though they can still cause pain, redness, and minor bleeding. These wounds are common in falls, accidents, or sports injuries and are generally minor, healing within a few days to a week depending on the severity. Infection is a primary concern if dirt or debris enters the wound.

Types:

• First-degree abrasions: Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis); usually mild redness and slight discomfort.

• Second-degree abrasions: Involve the epidermis and part of the dermis (second skin layer); may cause bleeding and more pain.

• Third-degree abrasions: Rare in simple scrapes but could occur in severe trauma; damage extends deeper into skin layers.

Common Causes:

• Falls on rough surfaces: Such as pavement, gravel, or concrete.

• Sports injuries: Contact sports or activities like cycling, running, or skating.

• Accidental scraping: Brushing against rough walls, floors, or surfaces.

• Occupational hazards: Construction or manual labor environments increase the likelihood of abrasions.

• Motor vehicle or bike accidents: Often lead to "road rash," a more severe form of abrasion.

More Severe Causes (Complications):

• Infection: Dirt or bacteria entering the wound can lead to redness, swelling, pus, and increased pain.

• Delayed healing: If the wound is large, improperly cleaned, or in high-friction areas like joints.

• Scarring: More likely with second-degree abrasions or if infections develop.

• Tetanus risk: From contaminated wounds if vaccination is outdated.

When to See a Doctor:

• If the abrasion is large, deep, or involves sensitive areas (face, joints, genitals).

• Signs of infection: increased redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or worsening pain.

• If embedded debris can’t be removed.

• Tetanus vaccination is outdated (no booster within the last 5–10 years).

• If healing does not progress within a week or worsens.

Natural remedies for Abrasions

Gentle Cleaning: Rinse the abrasion under cool, running water to remove dirt and debris. Mild soap can be used, but avoid scrubbing the wound harshly to prevent irritation.

Antiseptic Application: Applying an antiseptic like diluted hydrogen peroxide or iodine reduces infection risk. Apply lightly after cleaning, before bandaging.

Honey Dressing: Raw honey has natural antibacterial and healing properties. A thin layer applied under a bandage can support healing and prevent infection.

Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera soothes inflammation and promotes skin regeneration. Apply a thin layer to the abrasion 2–3 times daily.

Coconut Oil: Provides a natural barrier, keeps the wound moisturized, and contains mild antimicrobial properties. Apply gently to the area after cleaning.

Turmeric Paste: Turmeric’s curcumin offers anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Mix turmeric with water or coconut oil and apply lightly as a paste.

Tea Tree Oil (Diluted): Tea tree oil has potent antimicrobial properties. Dilute with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and apply sparingly to avoid irritation.

Chamomile Compress: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on skin. Steep chamomile tea, let cool, and use a clean cloth to apply as a compress.

Keep Wound Moist and Covered: Using petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointments prevents drying and promotes faster healing. Cover with a sterile bandage and change daily.

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Abrasions

Abrus
Abuta
Acacia
Achyranthes
Agave
Agrimony
Ajuga
Alchemilla
Alchornea
Alkanet
Alkanna
Allantoin
Aloe vera
Alstonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
anamu
Antirrhinum majus
Aquilegia formosa
arnica
ash
asiaticoside
assam indigo
avens
bai ji
balsam
banyan
Barleria
bee hive
bee products
bee propolis
benzoin
bindweed
blackbrush
blackthorn
Bletilla
bloodroot
Boerhavia diffusa
Bombax
boxthorne
Brazilian peppertree
Butea monosperma
Calendula
Calochortus
Calotropis gigantea
capillary artemisia
carrapichinho
Casearia sylvestris
castile soap
cattail
Cedrus libani
celandine
Centella asiatica
Centella triterpenes
Centipeda
chamomile
chickweed
cinquefoil
Clerodendrum indicum
cocklebur
cocoa butter
colloidal silver
comfrey
cornflower
cowherb
Cymbidium goeringii
Cynanchum
Cynodon dactylon
Davilla rugosa
Didymocarpus
dragon\'s blood
elephant vine
elephant\'s head
English elm
Epidermal Growth Factor
Erigeron
Erodium cicutarium
Euphorbia
fibrinase
fibroblast growth factor
ficin
fir
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fomes fomentarius
Gambir
Genipa americana
genipap
geranium
Gnaphalium
golden shower tree
goldenseal
gotu kola
Gugambilla
heal-all
henna
honey
hyaluronic acid
Hydrocolloid
Immortelle
impatiens
iridoid glycosides
Jessica\'s sticktight
jojoba oil
Kalanchoe pinnatum
Kigelia africana
lac resin
lacquertree
Lantana camara
lavender
Leptospermum scoparium
Lesser speargrass
licorice root
Lilium polyphyllum
little ironweed
lodhtree
Lophira lanceolata
Lygodium
Macaranga indica
Mahonia
Malva sylvestris
marigold
Maritime Dock
Marking Nut Tree
Matico
melaleuca alternifolia
Microbial enzymes (proprietary)
Milkweed
Moss
Mountain horopito
Mucin
Myrrh
Nimbidin
nut grass
Oak
oriental arborvitae
Oxystelma
paederia foetida
Panthenol
paw paw
Plantago
plantain
Plumbago zeylanica
Povidone
Prolase
Propolis
protease
purified silver
purple Tephrosia
red alder
red spiderling
resin
Rhus glabra
Rosa californica
Sanguisorba
Sanicle
Sapindus mukorossi
sea salt
Self-Heal
Sensitive Plant
Sericin
Sesbania
shen-chu
Shikonin
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
siler root
Silverweed
slippery elm bark
Smoketree
Smooth Alder
Spanish Needle
Speedwell
Stellaria dichotoma
Stereospermum
Tagetes
Tannins
Tea Tree Oil
Thymol
Tridax
Trumpet Vine
turmeric
vitamin C
Waltheria ovata
White oak
Whiteweed
Witch Hazel
xanthium (cockleburs)
Yarrow
Yerba Mansa
Zinc