What is the treatment for a scrape?

Treatment for a Scrape

Clean the scrape thoroughly with a large volume of warm or room temperature water or sterile saline until all debris is removed, then apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a clean occlusive dressing. 1, 2

Initial Wound Cleaning

• Irrigate the wound abundantly with warm or room temperature potable water or sterile normal saline until all foreign matter and debris are completely removed 1, 2
• Cold water works equally well but is less comfortable for the patient 1
• Do not use iodine or antibiotic-containing solutions for initial irrigation - plain water or saline is sufficient and preferred 1, 2
• Remove only superficial debris; avoid aggressive deep debridement as this may impair healing and skin closure 1

Wound Coverage and Protection

• After cleaning, apply antibiotic ointment or cream (such as bacitracin) to the wound surface if there are no known antibiotic allergies 1, 2, 3
• The FDA-approved indication for topical bacitracin includes first aid for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns to help prevent infection 3
• Apply a small amount (equal to the surface area of a fingertip) 1 to 3 times daily 3
• Cover with a clean occlusive dressing to maintain a moist wound environment and prevent contamination 1, 2
• The moist environment created by ointment and occlusive dressing promotes optimal healing 2

Additional Care Measures

• Keep the wound clean and dry between dressing changes 1
• Elevate the injured area during the first few days after injury to reduce swelling and accelerate healing 1, 2
• The dressing may be covered with a sterile bandage 3

Tetanus Prevention

• Verify tetanus immunization status - this is essential for all contaminated or penetrating wounds 1, 2
• Administer tetanus toxoid if vaccination is outdated or unknown 1, 2

Monitoring for Infection

• Watch for signs of infection including: increasing pain, progressive redness, warmth, swelling, purulent discharge, foul odor, or fever 1, 2
• Early detection of these signs is critical to initiate appropriate treatment and prevent complications 2
• Follow up within 24 hours either by phone or office visit 1

Important Caveats

• Do not use objects to probe or clean inside the wound - this can cause additional tissue damage 2
• For children under 2 years of age, consult a physician before applying topical antibiotic ointment 3
• If the scrape is extensive, deep, heavily contaminated, or shows signs of infection, seek medical evaluation for possible need for professional debridement or systemic antibiotics 4