The Right Way to Treat Scrapes and Abrasions

A few years back, I got several large abrasions as a result of a motor vehicle accident. With plenty of free time laying around on the sofa, I researched the right way to dress abrasions. Note, this post applies only to abrasions (superficial, surface injuries to the skin) and not to lacerations which are deep cuts that may require stiches or other professional medical intervention. Remember the first priority is always to stop the bleeding.

What most people still don't know is that the "state of the art" in wound treatment has moved beyond what our parents taught us. Research has shown that antiseptic rinses and topical anti-bacterial ointments such as hydrogen peroxide and Neosporin (just two examples) actually damage skin tissues and inhibit healing. And Band-Aids do not do very much to help as they do not create an anti-bacterial barrier nor the desired moist healing environment for the wound.

Here's the "right" way to dress an abrasion:

1. Stop the bleeding by apply gentle pressure to the wound. Do not let the wound dry out or scab. If you can't stop the bleeding within 15 minutes or so, you should seek immediate medical assistance.

2. Clean the wound thoroughly using soap and water by removing as much dirt and dead skin as possible.

3. Dress the wound using a semipermeable dressing such as 3M's Tegaderm, J&J Bioclusive or similar product. As long as the dressing does not leak exudate (the "ooze"), it can remain in place for up to a week.

The advantages are:

1. Because the wound is not allowed to scab, the optimum, moist healing environment is created. Remember that our blood clots and creates scabs, because there was an evolutionary necessity to stop the bleeding, but modern man can stop abrasions from bleeding by simply applying pressure. Abrasions heal much faster and better in a moist environment (without the scab). Scarring is also reduced.

2. Unlike Band-Aids, the dressings create an anti-bacterial barrier and thus the risks of infection are greatly reduced.

3. The dressings are waterproof so you shower or bathe with them in-place. Thus the need for dressing change and the amount of overall maintenance is significantly reduced.

4. The dressings are flexible so they are more comfortable than alternative of having a scab and traditional bandage. This is especially important if the injury is in a area that moves regularly such as a knee or elbow.

5. The semi-permeable dressings are clear so you can see how the wound is healing, how much exudate, if it is infected, etc.

The problem today is that these semi-permeable dressings are not commonly available in most grocery stores or pharmacies. They're still relatively expensive (more than $1 or $2 per dressing), and Johnson and Johnson still dominates the bandage market with their "Band-Aid" brand bandages. People have become brainwashed with Band-Aids for 20-30 for two bucks (depending on size and shape). Hospitals and medical professionals already know better but hopefully the word will get out to consumers soon!