first Aid & injuries center

What Are Cuts and Scrapes?

Minor injuries to the skin are usually called cuts and scrapes. These injuries cause some damage to the surface of the skin and sometimes, such as in the case of a cut, the injury may go through the skin. While minor injuries can be treated at home, an infected cut or scrape may require medical attention.
Minor injuries to the skin are usually called cuts and scrapes. These injuries cause some damage to the surface of the skin and sometimes, such as in the case of a cut, the injury may go through the skin. While minor injuries can be treated at home, an infected cut or scrape may require medical attention.

Cuts and scrapes are types of minor skin injuries in which there is damage to the surface of the skin. In the case of a cut, the injury may go through the skin.

While cuts and scrapes are common injuries that can usually be treated at home, those with more serious symptoms or signs of infection may require a trip to the doctor, as explained below.

What Are Symptoms of Cuts and Scrapes?

Symptoms of cuts and scrapes include: 

  • A mark on the skin
  • Redness and swelling around the mark
  • Pain in the injured area
  • Bleeding in some cases
  • A scab as the wound heals

Most cuts and scrapes heal on their own within a week to 10 days.

When to See the Doctor for Cuts and Scrapes

See a doctor if you have a cut or scrape and: 

  • Signs of infection
    • Fever
    • Redness, swelling, warmth, or increased pain around the wound
    • Pus draining from the wound
    • Red streaks on the skin around the cut or scrape, or red streaks going up the arm or leg
  • You cannot control the bleeding
  • You take blood thinners
  • The wound is deep
  • The wound is near the eye
  • The wound is contaminated with soil or saliva
  • You have a suppressed immune system
  • You don’t know if you’re up to date on your tetanus shots

What Causes Cuts and Scrapes?

Cuts and scrapes may be caused by anything in which the skin is accidentally damaged: 

  • Falls
  • Banging into objects
  • Scratching the skin too vigorously 
  • Objects that can tear, crush, or slice the skin 

How Are Cuts and Scrapes Diagnosed?

Cuts and scrapes can usually be diagnosed with a visual examination of the skin. Tests are generally not needed. 

What Is the Treatment for Cuts and Scrapes?

Most cuts and scrapes go away on their own and do not require medical treatment. First aid for cuts and scrapes includes: 

  • Clean the cut or scrape 
    • Wash with soap and water
    • If there is dirt, glass, or any kind object in the wound that does not come out after washing, see a doctor 
  • Stop the bleeding
    • Press a clean cloth or bandage firmly on the area for 20 minutes
    • If possible, hold the injured area above the level of the heart to slow bleeding
    • If the bleeding doesn't stop after 20 minutes, see a doctor
  • Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the cut or scrape
  • Cover the cut or scrape with a bandage or gauze
    • Keep the bandage clean and dry
    • Change the bandage once or twice daily until the wound heals
  • Watch for signs of infection 
    • Fever
    • Redness, swelling, warmth, or increased pain around the wound
    • Pus draining from the wound
    • Red streaks on the skin around the cut or scrape, or red streaks going up the arm or leg

You may need stitches if a cut is: 

  • Wide
  • Jagged 
  • Goes all the way through the skin

You may need a tetanus shot, depending on when you received your last tetanus vaccine or booster. 

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References
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/taking-care-of-cuts-and-scrapes-the-basics?search=cuts%20and%20scrapes&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~101&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-causes-wounds-cuts-and-grazes