Abrasion Treatment

Abrasions are a type of surface wound that is characterized by damage to the skin. They typically affect the epidermis - the outer layer of the skin. They do not usually reach the underlying dermis - the deeper layer of the skin.

Thin-skinned, bony areas such as ankles, elbows, or your knees are more prone to abrasions than thicker, more padded areas. The scraped skin of an abrasion can contain particles of dirt, which could lead to infection if you are not taking the necessary steps for skin abrasion care.

A clean abrasion wound is the first step to an optimal healing process. After stopping the bleeding, cleanse the abrasion from dirt, bacteria, and visible particles, using the Hansaplast Wound Spray in order to prevent infections.

The second step is to protect your abrasion from dirt and bacteria to reduce the risk of infection. Gently dry the surrounding skin and cover the abrasion with a plaster, sterile wound dressing, or sterile gauze pad. Hansaplast Elastic Plaster specialises in protecting areas where abrasion injuries are likely to occur.

The third step involves helping your abrasion to heal safely, quickly, and with a reduced risk of scarring. Apply the Hansaplast Wound Healing Ointment regularly until the abrasion has healed completely. Learn more about wound healing.

The healing time for abrasions will vary depending on their size and severity. In general, an abrasion will take several days to heal. It is essential to follow a proper wound care routine to facilitate faster healing. This helps prevent complications, such as infections, and reduces the risk of scarring. Read more about wound healing here.

To prevent infection, always make sure you take quick action by cleansing and protecting your wound as soon as a skin abrasion has occurred. Symptoms of infected skin abrasions:

• The wound is not healing after a substantial time has passed
• The wound worsens despite following the optimal care guide
• The level of pain you are experiencing is becoming worse
• The abrasion or the surrounding area remains  warm, swollen, or red
• You may experience a sudden fever
• Pus, drainage, or other discharge coming from the abrasion

If you believe that your wound may have become infected, or if the wound seems to heal particularly slowly, you should consult a doctor. Find out more about infected wounds here.

Abrasions are very common injuries. They can range from mild to severe. Abrasions are most likely to occur on the:

• Elbows
• Knees
• Shins
• Ankles
• Upper extremities

Abrasions can be painful, since they sometimes expose many of the skin’s nerve endings. However, they don’t typically cause much bleeding. Most abrasions can be treated at home.

Abrasions are most common among younger children who spend a lot of time playing outside. The best way to prevent scraped knees and elbows among children is to always use proper knee and elbow pads during skateboarding or other outdoor activities with a high risk of falling.

Bicycle falls are one of the most common causes of scrapes and wounds, but you can reduce the risk by teaching your child safe riding practices. It’s also important to warn children that accidents may happen, to comfort them if they fall off their bike, and encourage them to get back on the bike as soon as possible! Use Hansaplast's MARVEL or Disney FROZEN plasters with fun designs to put a smile back on your child's face.