Treatment of Abrasions and Cut Scar Marks
After cleaning superficial traumatic abrasions, apply a topical antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracin or triple-antibiotic) 1-3 times daily and cover with an occlusive dressing to keep the wound moist and prevent scarring. 1, 2, 3
Initial Wound Management
Cleaning and Irrigation
- Irrigate all traumatic lacerations and abrasions with tap water at higher pressures and volumes (100-1000 mL range) to reduce infection rates 1
- Tap water is as effective as or superior to sterile saline for wound irrigation 1
- Body temperature water is more comfortable than cold saline during irrigation 1
Occlusive Dressing and Topical Antibiotics
- Apply topical antibiotic ointment after cleaning to promote faster healing and minimize scarring 1
- Occlusive dressings or topical antibiotics demonstrate significantly shorter healing times compared to no treatment 1
- Topical triple-antibiotic ointment (polymyxin B-bacitracin-neomycin) is superior to simple gauze dressings alone in minimizing scarring, particularly for pigmentary changes 4
Dosing and Application Frequency
FDA-Approved Topical Antibiotic Regimens
- Apply a small amount (equal to fingertip surface area) to the affected area 1-3 times daily 2, 3
- May be covered with a sterile bandage 2, 3
- For children under 2 years of age using bacitracin, consult a physician 3
Prevention of Secondary Infection
- Topical antibiotics applied three times daily to minor skin trauma (abrasions, mosquito bites) significantly reduce streptococcal pyoderma development (15% vs 47% with placebo) 5
Scar Prevention and Management
Early Intervention (Acute Phase)
- Maintaining a moist wound environment with occlusive dressings and topical antibiotics is the primary strategy for preventing scar formation 1
- The key is preventing wound desiccation and promoting optimal healing conditions 1
Established Scar Treatment (If Scarring Occurs)
For hypertrophic scars that develop despite proper initial care:
- Silicone gel sheeting has good evidence for reducing hypertrophic scars 6
- Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is effective for prominent scars 6
- Intralesional triamcinolone injection for raised areas, re-evaluated after 6 weeks 6
- Dermabrasion can help irregular contours if performed 8 weeks after initial injury 6
Timing Considerations
- Scar maturation typically takes 18-24 months 6
- Surgical scar revision should be delayed at least 12 months unless webbing is present 6
- For raised areas, triamcinolone injection can be used earlier with re-evaluation at 6 weeks 6
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not allow wounds to dry out - this increases scarring risk 1
- Do not use simple gauze dressings alone without topical antibiotics or occlusive properties 4
- Do not rush to surgical scar revision - wait for scar maturation unless specific indications exist 6
- Avoid premature dermabrasion (wait at least 8 weeks post-injury) 6