Skin Abrasion

Skin Abrasion is the damage of the upper layer of epidermis as a result of applied frictional force. Skin is a largest organ of the human body, with different texture, movement and protection. It can be segregated to the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis relates to the surface layer and consists of several sheets of skin cells. Another is dermis, which lies beneath the epidermis and contains elastic fibers and protein fibers like Sebaceous glands, hair follicles, nerves and blood vessels.

Skin Abrasion usually occurs in warm weather when arms, legs, knees, ankles and elbows are exposed and arises in moving contact with a rough surface like ground, sidewalk, carpet, road or play field. Normally we can see skin abrasion during sports time in players and school children. Most of the common skin abrasions are minor, so home treatment can heal them. If you found any unusual type of skin Abrasion please consult doctor immediately.

The causes of skin abrasion are numerous but most general are scratches, falls, accidents, getting into contact with rough surface, traumas, bed sores, sports injury, scratching in sleep.

Symptoms

• Pain
• Redness
• Rash
• Swelling
• Bleeding

Popular treatments and recommendations

• First, clean out any possible debris like sand or other dirt particles from the wound using antiseptics like Dettol, Iodine etc.  
• Use herbs like Agrimonia eupatoria (Agrimony), Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) and Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) to react as natural astringents that can help to tighten and constrict tissues, lessening inflammation and diminishing blood loss.
• Aloe vera plays a crucial role as a soothing gel. Cut open a fresh leaf from the aloe plant and smear the sticky liquid from this leaf over the wound.
• Make a mixture of comfrey, tea tree oil, and calendula to put on your abrasion. That will help treat and heal the abrasion quickly.
• Dilute one part of vinegar with 3 parts of water and using a piece of cotton, dab the solution over the open abrasion. Warm water yields better results as compared to cold water.
• Prepare some thyme tea and add 3 to 5 drops of lavender essential oil to it. Apply this mixture on to the affected area once or twice a day. You could also make a salve at home, using some tea tree and comfrey, as those herbs are excellent for treating abrasions.
• If you are putting a bandage over the wound, try to make sure that it is put on the wound loosely to allow for proper ventilation of the scrape and faster healing.
• Use of Olive oil can be a good alternative to cure skin abrasion.
• Ice may help reduce swelling and bruising.
• If the cut is deep, first clean the area and put garlic on it. Garlic contains an antibiotic, which will continue to kill bacteria and prevent infection.
• If you find blood flowing continuously from your abrasion then please consult your doctor immediately.

Prevention

• Use protective gears like knee pads, elbow pads, and appropriate clothing that will help cover parts of your body.
• Be careful to increase your chances of staying away from accidents like trips and slips that can cause abrasions.

References

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abrasion_(medical)
• http://www.free-health-care.com/skin_disorders/skin%20abrasion.htm
• http://remedies.iloveindia.com/symptoms-abrasions.html
• http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Skin_cuts_and_abrasions
• http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/skin-abrasion-prevention-and-home-remedies/
• http://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/natural-first-aid-treatments-abrasions.html
• http://www.simple-remedies.com/home-remedies/abrasions/abrasion-home-remedies.html