Patient Education: Abrasion Wound

Understanding an Abrasion

An abrasion is a type of wound where the top layer of your skin is scraped or rubbed off. It is sometimes called a “scrape” or “scratch.” Abrasions usually are shallow but can be painful and may bleed a little.

Causes of Abrasions

Abrasions can happen from:

Falling and scraping your skin on a rough surface
Sliding on pavement, grass, or carpet
Sports injuries, like getting scraped during running or biking
Minor accidents at home or work

Prevention of Abrasions

You can prevent abrasions by:

Wearing protective clothing, gloves, or pads during activities or sports
Using caution when walking or running on slippery or rough surfaces
Keeping floors and walkways clear of obstacles
Wearing proper footwear

Treatment of an Abrasion (as per physician’s order)

Wash your hands before touching the wound
Clean the wound gently with mild soap and water
Apply any ointment or cream your doctor recommends
Cover the wound with a clean dressing or bandage
Change the dressing as your healthcare provider instructs
Avoid picking at scabs or scratching the wound

Signs and Symptoms of Infection

Call your doctor or home health nurse if you notice:

Redness spreading around the wound
Swelling or warmth
Increasing pain
Pus or foul-smelling drainage
Fever or feeling generally unwell

Signs of a Worsening Abrasion

The wound is getting bigger or deeper
Bleeding does not stop
The skin around the wound looks dark, hard, or discolored
You notice increased swelling, warmth, or tenderness

Compromised Wound Dressing

A compromised dressing is a bandage that is:

Wet or soaked with fluid
Loose or falling off
Dirty or contaminated
Not covering the wound completely

What to do if your dressing is compromised:

Wash your hands
Remove the dressing carefully
Clean the wound as instructed
Apply a new, clean dressing
Notify your home health nurse or doctor if needed

When to Call Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Mild redness or swelling
Minor pain that is not improving
Dressing issues that you cannot fix
Slight drainage or odor

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Heavy bleeding that will not stop
Severe pain or sudden worsening of the wound
Thick yellow, green, or foul-smelling pus
Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
Feeling very weak, dizzy, or sick

Additional Tips

Keep the wound clean and dry
Avoid touching it with dirty hands
Follow all your healthcare provider’s instructions
Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date if needed

Patient Homework / Assessment: Abrasion Wound True or False Questions

True or False: An abrasion is a type of wound where the top layer of skin is scraped off.
True or False: Abrasions are usually caused by falling, sports injuries, or minor accidents.
True or False: Wearing protective clothing can help prevent abrasions.
True or False: You should pick at scabs on an abrasion to help it heal faster.
True or False: Clean the wound gently with soap and water as instructed.
True or False: A wet or dirty dressing is considered a compromised dressing.
True or False: You should always wash your hands before touching your wound.
True or False: Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling may be a sign of infection.
True or False: Slight pain that improves over time is usually normal.
True or False: Pus or foul-smelling drainage is a sign of infection.
True or False: If the wound is bleeding heavily and does not stop, you should go to the ER.
True or False: Mild redness around the wound always requires an ER visit.
True or False: A dressing that is loose or not covering the wound fully is compromised.
True or False: You should follow your doctor’s instructions for dressing changes.
True or False: Swelling, warmth, or tenderness around the wound may indicate worsening.
True or False: Abrasions usually do not need cleaning or dressing.
True or False: Call your home health nurse if the dressing gets wet or soiled.
True or False: Feeling dizzy, weak, or sick with a wound may require an ER visit.
True or False: Keeping the wound clean and dry helps it heal faster.
True or False: Tetanus vaccination may be important if the wound is dirty or deep.

Answer Key with Explanation

True – Abrasions scrape off the top layer of skin.
True – Common causes include falls, sports injuries, or minor accidents.
True – Protective clothing helps prevent skin scrapes.
False – Picking scabs can delay healing and cause infection.
True – Gentle cleaning helps remove germs and debris.
True – Wet, dirty, or loose dressings are compromised.
True – Clean hands prevent infection.
True – Redness, warmth, or swelling can indicate infection.
True – Mild, improving pain is normal.
True – Pus or foul odor is a sign of infection.
True – Heavy bleeding requires emergency care.
False – Mild redness can be reported to home health; ER is only for severe cases.
True – A dressing that does not cover the wound is compromised.
True – Following instructions ensures proper healing.
True – Swelling, warmth, or tenderness may indicate worsening.
False – Abrasions need cleaning and dressing to prevent infection.
True – Call your nurse if you cannot fix a compromised dressing.
True – Weakness or dizziness with infection is urgent.
True – Clean, dry wounds heal faster.
True – Tetanus shots are important for dirty or deep wounds.