An abrasion is an area of the body surface where the skin has been scraped away.  Abrasions need to be treated to reduce the chance of scarring and infection.

1. Keep your dressing clean and dry.  Remove dressing immediately if it becomes wet and replace it as instructed by your health care provider.

2. Change the outer dressing daily, unless otherwise instructed.  If you notice red streaking leading away from the wound, increased swelling, increased warmth, increased redness and tenderness, thick opaque yellow or greenish-yellow drainage, or a foul odor coming from the wound, return to Acute Care (Campus Health Service).  Clear yellow drainage should be expected and is okay.

3. If you are instructed to clean your wounds, use a mild soap and water. Scrub with enough friction to loosen and remove all crusty debris (do not pick away with your fingernails).

4. To keep your abrasion from becoming too dry, use Petroleum jelly (Vaseline®, etc.) unless otherwise instructed.  Vitamin E and Neosporin® should be avoided.

5. Rest the injured area to facilitate healing and to make you more comfortable. Avoid further injury to the involved part.

6. Return to the Campus Health Service for dressing changes and/or wound checks as designated by your provider.