Cuts, abrasions and blisters
Abrasions usually result from rubbing or friction, causing grazes or blisters. Most cuts and abrasions can be treated very simply. For children, it is often the fright of getting the injury, not the pain, that upsets them.
How to treat blisters
If the skin is reddened but unbroken, apply a dressing strip to protect the injured area, or tape on a non-stick wound pad, as these are designed to absorb any discharging fluid without sticking to the wound.
If the skin is broken, first clean it with a mild antiseptic solution or a weak salt solution (normal saline). Then apply a sterile, non-stick dressing or plaster. Your pharmacist can advise you about suitable dressings for protecting blisters.
How to treat cuts and abrasions
If the cut or abrasion is superficial and not extensive, you should clean it with a weak salt solution (saline) or warm water, if necessary. Antibiotic creams and ointments such as mupirocin (Bactroban) are not necessary on general cuts and abrasions where there is no sign of inflammation or infection. Overuse of these medicines can lead to bacterial resistance. Be careful if using an antiseptic cream. The cream may not kill all the bacteria, creating a good environment for resistant bacteria to grow, especially if the area is covered with a dressing.
You should also avoid using antiseptics on large open wounds because they can be absorbed into the body through the broken skin. Correct dilution of antiseptics is important as high concentrations may damage tissue, and prolonged use delays healing.
Keep cleansing and dressings simple, and do not put irritating agents on the wound. Small, shallow cuts should be treated by bringing the edges of the cut together with a wound closure strip. These keep the wound edges together to help healing and may reduce scarring.
Small, minor cuts and abrasions should be covered with a sterile, non-stick plaster or dressing to protect the injured area. Deeper cuts or more extensive abrasions should be covered with island or film dressings. Island dressings are self-adhesive dressings with non-stick wound pads. Film dressings are clear waterproof films that are applied and left on until the dressing falls off, leaving the wound moist and undisturbed.
Do not pick the scabs off as the wound heals — this can cause scarring. Moisten crusty scabs with saline, and watch the affected area for signs of infection, such as redness spreading out from the wound.
When should you seek medical advice?
You should seek medical advice if:
- there is copious bleeding;
- the cuts and abrasions are very extensive, very deep or very dirty;
- foreign objects are deeply embedded in the cut or are unable to be removed easily;
- the affected area is very painful and warm;
- there is fever or flu-like symptoms;
- you exhibit an allergy to topical agents being used to treat the wound, such as iodine;
- the affected area is very red and angry looking, especially if pus is present;
- the cut or abrasion does not appear to be healing within 3 days; or
- you are not covered by a tetanus vaccination.
Last Reviewed: 12 July 2001
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