Abrasions

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When to see the doctor

Go to the doctor if: 

• the abrasion is deep and does not stop bleeding despite firm pressure
• there is a lot of dirt, gravel, or pieces of wood, metal or glass in the abrasion
• it is a large abrasion with rough or jagged edges
• you are unsure whether your child is up to date with their tetanus immunisation.

How is it treated?

Clean all sores immediately with running water to remove dirt. Clean the surrounding skin with clean gauze or a handtowel soaked in water. Cotton wool can leave fibres in the wound, so it’s better not to use it. Always wipe away from the wound not from the surrounding skin towards the wound, so you avoid getting dirt in the wound. Use a diluted antiseptic solution to clean the sore – this will sting, but it will prevent infection. Then cover the sore with a sterile, non-stick dressing, such as Melolin. If the wound is bleeding, apply firm pressure for 10 minutes.

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