What is an abrasion?
An abrasion is a superficial rub or wearing off of the skin, usually caused by a scrape or a brush burn. Abrasions are usually minor injuries that you can treat at home.
When should I call my child's physician?
In general, call your child's physician for abrasions that:
- are located close to the eye or on the face
- are embedded with debris such as dirt, stones or gravel
- show signs of infection such as increased warmth, redness, swelling or drainage
- cover a large area of the body (such as the chest or back or an entire limb)
How should an abrasion be treated?
- Calm your child and let him or her know you can help.
- Wash your hands well.
- Wash the abraded area well with soap and water, but do not scrub the wound.
- Remove any dirt particles from the area and let the water from the faucet run over it for several minutes. A dirty abrasion that is not well cleaned can cause scarring.
- Apply an antiseptic lotion or cream.
- Cover the area with an adhesive bandage or gauze pad if the area is on the hands or feet, or if it's likely to drain onto clothing.
- Change the dressing often.
- Check the area each day and keep it clean and dry.
- Avoid blowing on the abrasion, as this can cause germs to grow.
Abrasions | Programs & Services
Programs
General Pediatric Consultation Program
Program
The General Pediatric Consultation Program is a medical diagnostic clinic for children with unusual or complicated symptoms that need further evaluation.
Injury Prevention Program
Program
The Injury Prevention Program is dedicated to dramatically decreasing the number of preventable injuries through research and public education.
Departments
Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine
Department
The Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine provides state-of-the art care in all aspects of anesthesia, perioperative medicine, critical care, and pain management.
Learn more about Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine
Surgery
Department
The Department of Pediatric Surgery provides general and specialized surgical services to those suffering from a wide range of congenital and acquired conditions.
