What is the recommended treatment for an abrasion?

Treatment of Abrasions

Superficial wounds and abrasions should be thoroughly irrigated with a large volume of warm or room temperature potable water until there is no foreign matter in the wound, then covered with a clean occlusive dressing to promote wound healing. 1

Initial Wound Care

Cleaning the Wound

1. Irrigate the abrasion thoroughly with:

   • Running tap water or sterile saline solution 1
   • Use sufficient volume to ensure all debris and foreign matter is removed 1
   • Water temperature can be warm or room temperature (cold water is equally effective but less comfortable) 1
   • With or without soap (soap and water may be more effective than irrigation with saline alone) 1

2. Irrigation pressure considerations:

   • Higher irrigation pressures are more effective than lower pressures for removing contaminants 1
   • Higher volumes (100-1000 mL) are better than lower volumes 1

Wound Dressing

After proper cleaning, the wound should be:

1. Covered with:

   • A clean occlusive dressing 1
   • Occlusive dressings such as film, petrolatum, hydrogel, and cellulose/collagen dressings result in better wound healing than dry dressings 1

2. Consider applying:

   • A topical antibiotic ointment or cream before the dressing 1, 2
   • Apply only if the victim has no known allergies to the antibiotic 1
   • Bacitracin can be used for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns to help prevent infection 2

Evidence Supporting Occlusive Dressings

Research demonstrates that abrasions treated with occlusive dressings or topical antibiotics have:

• Significantly shorter healing times compared to no dressing 1
• Better protection against infection 1
• Improved wound healing outcomes 3

Studies comparing different dressing types have found that semipermeable film dressings (like Bioclusive) and hydrocolloid dressings (like DuoDerm) are effective in reducing wound area and promoting faster healing 3.

Monitoring and Follow-Up Care

Monitor the wound for signs of infection:

• If redness, swelling, foul-smelling wound drainage, increased pain, or fever develops:
  • Remove the dressing
  • Inspect the wound
  • Seek medical care 1

Special Considerations

Animal or Human Bites

• Wounds caused by animal or human bites or contaminated with saliva should be evaluated in a medical facility as soon as possible 1
• These wounds are at increased risk for infection and may require antibiotics 1

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek medical attention if:

• The wound is large or deep
• There is significant bleeding that doesn't stop with direct pressure
• The wound contains embedded debris that cannot be removed
• Signs of infection develop
• The wound is on the face, joints, or other sensitive areas
• Tetanus immunization is not up to date 4

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Don't apply ice directly to the wound - it can produce tissue ischemia 1

2. Don't use antiseptic agents like povidone-iodine for irrigation - tap water or saline is equally effective with less tissue toxicity 1

3. Don't leave abrasions uncovered - occlusive dressings promote faster healing and reduce infection risk 1, 3

4. Don't neglect signs of infection - prompt medical attention is needed if infection develops 1