Abrasions - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Abrasions typically refer to an injury that removes these layers of skin. Abrasion injuries occur when exposed skin comes into moving contact with a rough surface causing trauma to the upper layers of the epidermis. The pathological wearing away of tooth substance by mechanical means; grinding. These skin wounds, usually the result of scraping or rubbing, are shallow and do not go below the skin. But they can be painful, sometimes more so than cuts. Often, in addition to oozing of blood, many nerve endings are exposed, which is why the pain is severe. Take care to remove any splinters or foreign objects that may be embedded in the skin-and to guard against infection.

Abrasions are conditions in which the skin is worn away by scraping against a hard, rough surface. Abrasions can be very painful and may be complicated by infection. While a severe abrasion should be seen and abraded by a physician, there are some things you can do to help the healing process on your own. For removing, objects, clean tweezers (dipped in alcohol for five minutes) are useful. Thoroughly wash the wound with warm water and soap; this is most important. A bath or shower may be the best way to cleanse the wound.

Abrasion is a general term given to an injury such as a graze, scratch or cut. These are a common occurrence in childhood, and if not severe can usually be treated at home. The skin is composed of an outer layer, the epidermis, which provides protection, and a deep inner layer, the dermis, which provides the firmness and flexibility of the skin. Abrasions typically refer to an injury that removes these layers of skin. This is a scrape that happens when the skin is rubbed away. An abrasion means that the surface layers of the skin (epidermis) have been broken. Thin-skinned bony areas - knees, ankles and elbows - are more prone to abrasions than thicker, more padded areas. If infection develops, it wi11 not necessarily be obvious for 24 hours or so. Keep an eye out for any fever, pus, marked swelling, or redness. Swollen, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the armpit or groin also indicate infection. Redness about the edges of the abrasion is no cause for alarm but is part of the normal healing process.

Causes of Abrasion

There are many causes which may lead to an injury, in our day to day life we got injured, cut or scratch by many ways. Abrasion, caused by a high-speed touchdown on the back of the forearm, has a gouge in the center that exposes fat. Sometimes, a cut, scratch, or abrasion starts out as no big deal, but then gets infected. While there is often little or no blood loss from an abrasion, there can be a great deal of pain, because of the many nerve endings that are exposed. An abrasion should hold its shape when the skin is moved or stretched. If any part of the wound gapes or changes shape, this is a more serious injury.

Common factors that may effect abrasion are :

• The person's general state of health
• Age - older skin repairs itself at a slower rate than younger skin
• The functioning of the immune system
• Dietary factors - skin needs proper nutrition
• External temperature and weather conditions
• Stress on the injury site, such as friction
• Whether or not the wound becomes infected
• Smoking and some drugs (discuss with doctor or chemist)
• Pre-existing medical conditions, such as some types of vascular disease.

Treatment of Abrasions

Some Important treamet of Abrasion are:-

• Abrasion should be seen and abraded by a physician, there are some things you can do to help the healing process on your own. The recommended method of treating abrasions and "road rash" injuries includes the follows steps.
• First, because abrasions can easily become infected, you should clean the area thoroughly and remove any dirt and debris.
• Use of antiseptics, such as hydrogen peroxide, "can actually cause harm to the tissue and interfere with function, which can further increase the injury and lengthen the healing process.
• Topical antimicrobials have been shown to be detrimental to fibroblasts and other cells needed for wound restoration
• Cotton wool can leave fibres in the wound, so it's better not to use it.
• Cover the area with a sterile, non-stick dressing. Sterile, antibiotic ointments may be used but should not be substituted for thorough and proper cleansing of the wound.
• Elevation. Place the affected body part at or above the level of the heart to use gravity to minimize the amount of swelling that may occur.
• Use a diluted antiseptic solution to clean the sore - this will sting, but it will prevent infection
• Apply pressure directly to the wound with your hands to stem the blood flow. Apply cold to decrease the amount of bleeding and swelling and to attempt to control pain and muscle spasm. Application should be for 20 to 30 minutes, waiting 1 to 2 hours before reapplication

If infection does develop, see a physician. Also see a physioian if you are unable to get a11 the debris out from under the skin since, if left, it may lead to permanent discoloration. If the abrasion is extensive, and especially if there is debris under the skin, a tetanus injection may be wise.