Treating Skin Abrasions at Home: 8 Natural Remedies

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, which forms a protective barrier between the body and the harmful elements of the outside environment, such as toxins and bacteria. Moreover, it keeps the integrity of our internal system intact. It is soft and flexible enough to stretch and allow movement, but tough enough to resist breaking or tearing. The texture and density of the skin are not uniform and vary from one part of the body to another.

The skin comprises two main layers – the epidermis and the dermis. The outermost surface layer is known as the epidermis, which is made of several sheets of dead skin cells. Underneath the epidermis lies the dermis, which consists of protein fibers (collagen) that give the skin strength and elastic fibers (elastin) that make the skin supple. Furthermore, the dermis consists of hair follicles, sebaceous glands, nerves, and blood vessels.

An abrasion refers to the rupturing of the epidermis or external layers of the skin.

Most of us have ended up with skin abrasions at one point or another. An abrasion refers to a wound to the skin. It is no deeper than the epidermis.

An abrasion, also known as a graze or a scrape, may range from mild to severe.

Thin-skinned bony areas such as the knees, ankles, and elbows are more prone to abrasions than areas with thicker, more padded skin. Also, children are more likely to get abrasions than adults.

Classification of Skin Abrasions

Abrasions can be classified into the following categories:

• First-degree abrasion. This includes only epidermal injury.
• Second-degree abrasion. This involves the epidermis and the dermis. It may also cause a little bleeding.
• Third-degree abrasion. This is rather severe and involves damage to the subcutaneous layer of the skin. Third-degree abrasion is also known as an avulsion.

Causes of Skin Abrasions

An abrasion usually occurs when exposed skin is damaged by sudden contact with a rough surface, which causes the upper layer of the skin to rub away. At times, it can be due to an insect bite or allergic reaction.

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Abrasions

The abraded skin looks torn or worn off. Other symptoms include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Oozing of fluid or bleeding at the affected area
• Burning sensation
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Itching

Mild abrasions do not scar, but deep abrasions may leave scar tissue.

Preventing Skin Abrasions

With a little caution, you can prevent injuries and abrasions.

• Wear kneepads, skin guards, gloves, and elbow pads when taking part in sports activities.
• Keep your skin well moisturized to minimize friction and prevent abrasions.
• Take measures to ensure safety at work and at home.

When to See a Doctor

Generally, first-and second-degree abrasions don’t need medical intervention, unless you are concerned for the cosmetic appearance. Visit your doctor at once in case of a third-degree abrasion.

It is also recommended to visit a doctor immediately in case you experience:

• Severe or profuse bleeding
• Constant bleeding even after applying pressure (for at least 5 minutes)
• The wound is a result of a traumatic accident
• The wound becomes infected

Possible Complications with Skin Abrasions

The tearing away of your body’s natural barrier, namely, the skin, makes it easier for infectious pathogens to breach into your system and cause secondary infections. Thus, one of the primary concerns associated with an open wound is the risk of an impending infection. It is important to get your wound checked by a doctor as soon as you notice even the slightest sign of an infection. Some of the most common indicators are:

• A wound that takes forever to heal
• Worsening redness around the wound
• Painful and tender skin around the wound
• Foul-smelling and green, yellow, or brown pus-like discharge oozing out of the wound
• Fevers, chills, headaches, or feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Development of a hard, painful lump in your armpit or groin area

Typically, skin abrasions heal within 5 to 10 days, depending on the severity of the wound. Home remedies can often be used to treat mild abrasions.

Simple Ways to Treat Skin Abrasions at Home

Here are the best home remedies for skin abrasions.

1. Clean the Abrasion

The first step in treating an abrasion is to clean the area, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.⁽¹⁾

Cleaning the affected area helps clear away all the dirt and debris and ensure optimal healing. In addition, it helps prevent infection.

1. Wash the affected area with antiseptic soap and cool water.
2. Gently pat the area dry with a clean cloth.
3. Apply a thick coat of petroleum jelly, an antiseptic cream, or an unscented moisturizing lotion over the area to keep the skin moisturized.
4. Cover the area with a sterile dressing or bandage.
5. Change the dressing frequently, at least once daily.
6. Avoid blowing air on the abrasion, as this can promote infection.

2. Apply Aloe Vera Gel to the Affected Area

Aloe vera is an effective remedy for skin abrasions due to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and skin-repairing properties. It also keeps the skin well moisturized and promotes healing.

In an experiment conducted on rats, it was observed that topical application of aloe vera was effective in improving the morphological, biomechanical, and biochemical characteristics of healing cutaneous wounds. This option of treatment can be useful in clinical practice.⁽²⁾

1. Cut open a fresh aloe vera leaf and extract the gel inside.
2. Apply the gel directly on the affected skin.
3. Allow it to remain on the skin.
4. Reapply two or three times daily until the wound is healed.

3. Coat the Wound with Honey

Honey has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties which facilitate quick healing of abraded skin and is effective in preventing infection. It also helps reduce the possibility of scarring.

The manuka honey used in products for wound treatment can maintain sufficient activity for inhibiting bacterial growth despite being diluted with considerable amounts of wound exudate.

Evidence also suggests that honey produces bioactivities that stimulate the immune response, decrease inflammation, and bring about quick autolytic debridement. The stimulation of immune response caused by these bioactivities is effective in promoting the growth of tissues for repairing wounds. These actions are backed by clinical evidence and can be explained scientifically.⁽³⁾

1. Rub some pure honey on the affected area and put a bandage over it.
2. Allow it to sit for an hour.
3. Remove the bandage and rinse the area thoroughly with warm water.
4. Use this remedy two or three times daily for a few days.

4. Trust the Healing Potential of Turmeric

Turmeric is a time-honored remedy for various minor skin problems, including abraded skin. Its natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties keep the affected area free from infection and facilitate wound healing.

The evidence that curcumin has the ability to decrease the body’s natural response (such as inflammation and oxidation) to cutaneous wounds can be found in highlighted studies.⁽⁴⁾

1. Mix ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder with enough water to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste directly on the affected area.
3. Allow it to dry on the skin and avoid covering it.
4. Repeat two or three times a day for a few days.

Also, drink a glass of turmeric milk twice daily to improve your body’s ability to heal quickly.

5. Coconut Oil can Help

Coconut oil can also help treat abrasions due to its anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and healing properties.

When applied to the affected area, it forms a thin protective layer that protects the damaged skin from dust, bacteria, and viruses. It also speeds up the healing process by helping repair damaged skin tissue.

It was demonstrated that VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil)-treated wounds took less time to heal, as suggested by a reduction in time taken for complete epithelization (formation of epithelial cells over a wound in a wound healing process) and higher levels of different skin components.⁽⁵⁾

The high angiogenic (blood-vessel-forming) and the wound-healing ability of FVCO (Fermented Virgin Coconut Oil) was confirmed by a study. There is a possibility that this wound-healing potency can be mediated by the regulation of the VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) signaling pathway.⁽⁶⁾

1. Slather some extra-virgin coconut oil on the abraded skin.
2. Allow it to get absorbed into the skin. You need not to rinse it off.
3. Reapply the oil two or three times a day until the skin looks completely healthy.

6. Calendula may be Beneficial

Calendula, also known as marigold, helps heal wounds and skin irritation. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. These properties make calendula useful in disinfecting and treating minor wounds, including skin abrasions. In addition, it stimulates collagen production that helps repair damaged skin.

In a study conducted on rats with excision wounds, it was observed that there was a significant increase in the hydroxyproline and hexosamine content in the group treated with Calendula officinalis flower extract in comparison with the group that did not receive the treatment. The results suggest the potent wound-healing capabilities of the extract.⁽⁸⁾

• Crush a few fresh calendula flowers to extract the juice. Apply it on the wound two or three times daily for a few days.
• You can also apply over-the-counter calendula cream or lotion to the affected area several times a day to promote healing.

According to a narrative review of certain studies, there is little evidence to back the effectiveness of topical administration of calendula in the treatment of acute or chronic wounds. More research is required to find out whether calendula can be included in mainstream wound care.⁽⁷⁾

7. Plantain can Help Ease the Pain

Plantain leaves have excellent healing properties that can be effective in treating abrasions, cuts, or minor burns. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in the leaves help relieve pain and itching. They also help speed up the healing process and prevent infection.

According to the University of Michigan, wound healing can be accelerated through the topical application of plantain.⁽⁹⁾

1. Pound 3 or 4 fresh plantain leaves into a paste.
2. Apply the paste on the affected area.
3. Allow it to dry and then rinse it off with warm water.
4. Repeat this two or three times daily for a few days.

You can also use over-the-counter plantain creams or ointments on abraded skin to facilitate healing.

8. Eat Vitamin C Rich Foods

Vitamin C is very effective in the treatment of all types of skin wounds. This powerful antioxidant boosts the immune system to fight off infection due to abrasion. It also promotes quick healing.

Vitamin C supports the synthesis, maturation, secretion, and degradation of collagen. The deficiency of this vitamin impacts the maturation phase by altering the collagen production and scar formation.⁽¹⁰⁾

• Eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli, and red peppers.
• You can also take vitamin C supplements, after consulting your doctor.

Some Other Remedies for Skin Abrasions

Indian Lilac can Give Relief

Indian lilac, also known as neem grants a lot of health benefits and is very effective in treating abrasions. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that disinfect the affected skin and protect it against infection. In addition, it helps build collagen to promote healing.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of neem leaf juice and ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder. Apply the mixture on the affected area. Allow it to sit for a couple of hours, and then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat this two or three times daily for several days.
• You can also apply neem oil diluted with a carrier oil, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil, on the affected skin and allow it to dry. Use this remedy two or three times a day.

Increase Your Vitamin E Intake

Vitamin E offers plenty of skin and hair benefits. The antioxidant properties of this important vitamin accelerate healing of damaged skin and help prevent infection. It even prevents scarring in deeper abrasions.

1. Apply some vitamin E oil on the affected area.
2. Massage the area gently for 5 minutes to help the oil penetrate into the skin. You do not need to rinse it off.
3. Repeat this twice daily until the abrasion is healed.

Also, eat more foods rich in vitamin E, such as milk, avocado, olives, sunflower seeds, spinach, asparagus, and whole grains.

Additional Tips

• Cover the wound with a nonstick sterile dressing and change the dressing regularly.
• Avoid exertion as it may cause the wound to bleed.
• Do not expose abraded skin to the sun, to avoid the development of hyperpigmentation.
• Apply ice on the affected area if there is bruising or swelling. Wrap the ice in a thin towel before applying.
• Do not wear clothes that can cling or rub the area and worsen the condition.
• Do not pick or scratch at scabs.
• Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol, as they will delay the healing process.
• In cases of persistent bleeding or intense pain, consult a doctor.

Resources:

1. Proper wound care: How to minimize a scar. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/injured-skin/wound-care.
2. Oryan A, Mohammadalipour A, Moshiri A, Tabandeh MR. Topical Application of Aloe vera Accelerated Wound Healing, Modeling, and Remodeling: An Experimental Study. Current neurology and neuroscience reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25003428. Published January 2016.
3. Molan P, Rhodes T. Honey: A Biologic Wound Dressing. Wounds. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26061489. Published 2015.
4. Dania Akbik, Maliheh Ghadiri, Wojciech Chrzanowski, Ramin Rohanizadeh. Curcumin as a wound healing agent. Life Sciences. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0024320514007036. Published 2014.
5. Nevin KG, Rajamohan T. Effect of topical application of virgin coconut oil on skin components and antioxidant status during dermal wound healing in young rats. Current neurology and neuroscience reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20523108. Published 2010.
6. Angiogenic and wound healing potency of fermented virgin coconut oil: in vitro and in vivo studies. American Journal of Translational Research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5714777/. Published 2017
7. Leach MJ. Calendula officinalis and Wound Healing: A Systematic Review. Current neurology and neuroscience reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25941793. Published August 2008.
8. Preethi KC, Kuttan R. Wound healing activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis. Current neurology and neuroscience reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19601397.
9. Plantain. Beta-Blockers for Mitral Valve Prolapse | Michigan Medicine. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2148003.
10. Moores J. Vitamin C: a wound healing perspective. Current neurology and neuroscience reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24796079. Published December 2013.