subject: Abrasion - See How Easily You Can Treat Abrasion [print this page] Abrasion - See How Easily You Can Treat Abrasion
Dirt, sand, or other substances are often ground into the injured area. Thus an abrasion has usually been contaminated, and the wound must be cleansed as quickly as possible.
1. The operator should first wash his hands with abundant soap and water.
2. Next, remove clothing, if any, from the area of abrasion and wash the skin area around the injury. Use a clean cloth or gauze and abundant soap and water. Wash away from the injured area, not toward it.
3. Starting with a new piece of clean cloth or sterile gauze, wash the injured area with soap and water or swab it with an antiseptic solution, removing the dirt ground into the wound. Use forceps (sterilized by passing quickly through a flame) to remove particles of dirt, and scissors (sterilized) to snip off tags of the skin or torn tissue.
4. Apply mild antiseptic solution (as hydrogen peroxide) by pouring the liquid onto the wound or by dabbing it on gently with sterile gauze soaked in the antiseptic solution.
5. Cover the injured area, preferably with a non-adherent dressing held in place by an adhesive bandage, or by sterile gauze held in place by a bandage.
6. Have a booster dose of tetanus toxoid given at a nearby hospital.
7. Replace the dressing with a fresh one after twenty-four hours or whenever it becomes unduly soiled. If the bandage tends to stick to the bandaged area, soak it loose using hydrogen peroxide solution.
8. If the injured area becomes unusually painful or swollen or if radiating red streaks appear, consult a physician.
