Treating a graze properly is important to prevent infection and promote healing. A graze occurs when the top layer of skin is damaged by friction with a rough surface.
Abrasions are often superficial, but can still be painful, so they must be treated properly to avoid complications.
What is a graze?
A graze is a superficial skin injury, where the top layer of skin is worn away. This type of wound is caused by scraping over a rough surface, such as asphalt or gravel. Abrasions occur in varying degrees, from small superficial abrasions that bleed little, to deeper abrasions that are more painful and bleed more heavily.
A graze can be recognized by small pinpoint hemorrhages and scratches in the skin. This is accompanied by red skin, possibly slight swelling and wound fluid.
What do I need to treat a graze?
To properly treat a graze, you will need the following materials:
- Clean lukewarm water
- Sterile tweezers (if necessary for removing dirt)
- Mild disinfectant solution (such as iodine or chlorhexidine)
- Sterile gauze pads
- Bandages or sterile dressings
- Vaseline or other wound ointment
How to treat a graze
Are you going to treat a graze? Then it is important that you do this correctly. This is to prevent infections and to let the wound heal properly. Therefore, follow the steps below to properly care for a graze.
Step 1: Clean the abrasion
Cleaning a graze is one of the most important steps. You do this by gently rinsing the wound with lukewarm running water. This helps to flush dirt and bacteria from the wound.
Make sure you do not use soap directly on the wound, as this can irritate the skin. If there is still dirt in the wound after rinsing, you can use sterile tweezers to carefully remove it.
Step 2: Disinfect the wound
After cleaning the abrasion, you can disinfect the wound. Use a mild disinfectant solution, such as iodine or a chlorhexidine solution.
Apply by gently dabbing the disinfectant on the wound with a sterile gauze. This prevents bacteria from entering the wound and causing an infection.
Step 3: Covering the wound (optional)
In many cases, it is not necessary to cover a graze, as it is better to let the wound air dry. However, if the graze is in a place where clothing will rub against it or there is a chance that the wound will come into contact with dirt, it is wise to cover the wound with a sterile bandage or a plaster.
Make sure to change the bandage regularly, and always try to let the wound air dry.
Step 4: Caring for the wound
To promote healing, you can keep the wound supple by applying a thin layer of Vaseline. This will prevent the wound from drying out and will help prevent crusting that can tighten the skin and slow the healing process.
When should you consult a GP?
Many abrasions can be treated at home, but you may need to be treated by a medical professional. In the following cases, it is advisable to contact a GP:
- In case of extreme contamination of the wound and street dirt. The wound may be contaminated with the tetanus bacteria. In that case, you may need a tetanus vaccination.
- In case of heavy bleeding from the abrasion or a very deep abrasion.
- If the pain of the abrasion continues to increase, the wound continues to swell, shows redness and has pus formation. This may indicate an infection of the wound.
The healing process of a graze
The healing process of a graze occurs in several stages. After cleaning, the body begins to repair the wound by forming a scab.
This scab protects the underlying skin while new skin cells form. The wound may be red and tender for the first few days. It is normal for there to be some swelling or mild pain. The scab will fall off on its own once new skin has formed.
This process can take several days to a week, depending on the severity of the abrasion.
Aftercare of a graze
A scrape can remain visible for several days or longer, depending on the depth and location of the wound. It is important to regularly check the scrape for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth or pus formation.
Avoid scratching the scab as this can slow healing and cause scarring.
Also try to avoid keeping the wound wet for too long, such as during showering and bathing. This can loosen the scab before the skin has fully healed.
Reduce pain from the abrasion
To help reduce the pain of a scrape, you can take a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Applying a cold compress to the wound can also help reduce pain and swelling, especially immediately after the scrape.
Keeping abrasion supple
Do you want to keep the wound supple and minimize crusting? Then you can apply a thin layer of Vaseline or a special wound ointment. This prevents your wound from drying out and helps to keep the skin supple during the healing process.
Protection of abrasion
Sometimes it may be necessary to protect your wound from dirt and abrasive clothing. In that case, you use a plaster or a sterile bandage.
This protects the wound from further damage and prevents dirt from entering the wound. At the same time, it reduces the chance of infection.
Change the bandage regularly and, where possible, allow your wound to air dry as much as possible.
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended as a general guideline. Always leave the treatment of a graze to a company emergency responder (BHV’er) or other qualified person. In case of serious injuries or doubt, always consult a doctor. In case of severe pain, heavy bleeding or signs of infection, call 911 immediately or seek medical attention.