Abrasions Treatment

Abrasions are very common sports injuries that are usually caused by a fall on a hard surface. As the athlete falls or slides on the ground, friction causes layers of skin to rub off. The skin is composed of an outer layer (the epidermis) which provides protection, and a deep inner layer (the dermis), which provides the firmness and flexibility of the skin. Abrasions typically refer to an injury that removes these layers of skin. Sometimes abrasions, cuts and scratches result in dire consequences if they aren't taken care of at the right time. Children run around the house and drop vases and other glass material, which can result in scratches or cuts. Outdoor activities should be supervised carefully, otherwise abrasions caused by a wall or a rock is unavoidable. There are slight differences among the three and most of the time children get them while playing. Cuts are caused by sharp objects, which can penetrate into the skin or damage the skin on the surface. Scratches are mild form of cuts. They are also caused by sharp objects such as a piece of glass, thorn or a knife. Even fingernails can cause a scar. Abrasion is caused by friction or rubbing of the skin with a rough surface. Rug burns and board burns are also examples of abrasion, because they are caused by friction.

Causes of Abrasions:

Injury to the cornea or the imbedding in the cornea of a foreign body, such as a small piece of steel, sand or glass. A bacterial infection may follow the injury. Use of contact lenses, especially extended-wear lenses. Complications of the virus, herpes simplex, which produces cold sores on the mouth and can, affect the eye. Infections of the eyelids and conjunctiva. Defective closure of the lid. Smoking or other environmental eye irritants.

Symptoms of Abrasions:

Corneal abrasions and foreign bodies usually cause pain, tearing, and a feeling that there is something in the eye. They may also cause redness (due to bleeding from blood vessels on the surface of the eye) or, occasionally, swelling of the eye and eyelid. Vision may become blurred. Light may be a source of irritation or may cause the muscle that constricts the pupil to undergo a painful spasm.

Treatment for Abrasions:

Apply Aloe Vera gel on the affected part, as it acts as a soothing home remedy for Skin Abrasion. Use a semipermeable dressing (Tegaderm, Bioclusive or Second Skin, for instance) to cover the wound and attach the dressing to dry healthy skin with adhesive tape. The dressing should be changed every few days. Keep the wound moist until it has healed. A moist environment promotes healing, improves tissue formation and protects the area from infection.

As usual, wash the affected area w/anti-bacterial soap (Dial and/or Safeguard) and use a red washcloth to soothe the child from seeing the blood if you are treating a child. Otherwise, coat the abrasion with a good, solid coat of Vaseline (no sting) and ironically, it works for more than aiding dry skin. Don't use one of those liquid skin concoctions as they will sting like all you-know-what. In fact, all of those brands of the liquid bandages will bring a grown man to tears from a simple blister to a skin crack.

Conventional treatment of abrasions and road rash included treating the area by cleaning the wound with mild soap and water or a mild antiseptic wash like hydrogen peroxide, and then covering the area with an antibiotic ointment and a dry dressing. However, it has been found that the use of antiseptics such as hydrogen peroxide may actually cause harm to the tissue and interfere with the healing process.