Abrasions are a common occurrence in childhood for most, from the many falls endured on the playground or while cycling or taking part in any physical activity for that matter. These superficial wounds or mild skin ruptures, which happen due to falls or scraping on rough surfaces, are also common among those who are physically active — from marathon runners to weekend sports warriors.
Superficial as they are, skin abrasions do require a little bit of medical attention or treatment — be it basic first aid or, depending on the gash in the skin, a visit to the nearby clinic.
What are skin abrasions?
Skin abrasions are defined as a loss in the continuity of the skin’s surface through a rupture. When the skin is broken after a fall or impact, the extent of the injury could vary. If it is superficial, just skin-deep so to speak, it is called an abrasion.
Thin-skinned bony areas (like knees, ankles and elbows) are more prone to skin abrasions than thicker areas with more muscle padding. Though abrasions can range from mild to severe, most are mild and easily treated at home.
Depending on the severity, skin abrasions are classified into
- first-degree abrasion (involves superficial damage to the epidermis and won’t bleed);
- second-degree abrasion (results in damage to the epidermis and dermis and may bleed mildly); and
- third-degree abrasion or avulsion wound (tearing of the skin to the layer of tissue deeper than the dermis and may bleed heavily).
How to treat skin abrasions
When you have a skin abrasion, immediate steps should be taken to treat the wound and prevent it from opening up further or getting infected.
- The first step is to wash the wound with water and clean it with a clean cotton cloth. Avoid using soap or detergent to clean the wound.
- If there is significant bleeding, apply mild pressure on the wound with a clean cloth.
- Analyse the severity of the wound. If it is a mild abrasion, ointments can be applied to make it aseptic. Alcohol-based antiseptic liquids must be diluted with water before cleansing the wound.
- If the abrasion is severe then proper dressing needs to be done under the recommendation of general physician.
Should turmeric be applied on abrasions?
Many people use either turmeric or an antiseptic liquid on the wound immediately after suffering a skin abrasion. This triggers a burning sensation.
“Applying turmeric or Dettol is a common practice to make the wound aseptic,” says Dr Rajeev Prasad, an internal medicine physician from Hyderabad. “In allopathic medicine, neither is ever prescribed. However, we have not seen any significant adverse effects when people come to the clinic after application of turmeric.”
Dr Subhashini Mohan, consultant dermatologist, Fortis Malar, Chennai, says both antiseptic lotions and turmeric can act as irritants.
“When there is an abrasion, the skin continuity is lost [and] applying irritants like Dettol and turmeric can further irritate the skin,” says Dr Mohan. “Whenever there is a cut on the skin, the nerve fibres get activated and irritated. This leads to pain when the body part of the injured portion is stretched. This is also felt when the abrasion starts to heal. When you stretch, it does not hurt but one might feel discomfort because of the scar tissue which is being formed with the process of wound healing.”
Takeaways
- Skin abrasions are superficial wounds or mild skin ruptures caused by falls or scraping on a rough surface.
- They can cause irritation and also lead to infection if not treated.
- Cleansing the wound with water and, if the wound is superficial, applying ointments to make it aseptic is prescribed.
