What is the recommended treatment for an abrasion?

Treatment for Abrasion

After cleaning, superficial traumatic abrasions should be covered with a clean occlusive dressing and/or a topical antibiotic to keep the wound moist and prevent drying. 1

Initial Wound Cleaning

• Irrigate the abrasion thoroughly with a large volume of warm or room temperature potable tap water until all foreign matter and debris are completely removed 1, 2
• Tap water is as effective as (or better than) sterile saline in reducing infection rates and is the recommended irrigation solution 1
• Higher irrigation volumes (100-1000 mL range) are more effective than lower volumes 1
• Soap and water may be more effective than irrigation with saline alone for removing contaminants 1
• Body temperature water is more comfortable than cold water, though both are equally effective 1

Wound Coverage and Moisture Management

• Apply a topical antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracin or neomycin-containing products) to the cleaned abrasion 1, 2

  • FDA-approved topical antibiotics should be applied 1 to 3 times daily in a small amount (equal to the surface area of a fingertip) 3, 4
  • This prevents drying and significantly shortens healing time compared to no treatment 1

• Cover with a clean occlusive dressing to maintain a moist wound environment and prevent contamination 1, 2

  • Occlusive dressings combined with topical antibiotics demonstrate significantly shorter healing times in clinical trials 1
  • The dressing may be changed as needed but should maintain wound moisture 1

Special Considerations for Traumatic Abrasions

• Administer tetanus prophylaxis if vaccination status is outdated (>10 years) or unknown, particularly for contaminated wounds 2
• Broad-spectrum topical antibiotics are specifically recommended for corneal abrasions following trauma to prevent both bacterial and fungal infection 1
• For contact lens-associated corneal abrasions, do not patch the eye or use therapeutic contact lenses due to increased risk of secondary bacterial keratitis 1

Monitoring for Infection

Watch for these warning signs that require medical attention 2:

• Progressive redness extending beyond the wound margins
• Increasing pain or tenderness
• Local warmth
• Purulent discharge or foul odor
• Fever or systemic symptoms
• Growing swelling or inflammation

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not use antiseptic solutions (like povidone-iodine) for initial irrigation - tap water or saline is preferred 1, 2
• Do not leave abrasions uncovered or allow them to dry out - this significantly delays healing 1
• Do not apply ice directly to abrasions - while useful for musculoskeletal injuries, direct ice application can cause tissue damage 1
• Prophylactic antibiotics should be started within 24 hours of injury for maximum effectiveness in preventing ulceration 1