Abrasions (Scrapes): How to Clean, Protect, and Heal Your Skin

Published: February 2012

Last Reviewed: October 2025

Abrasions, often called grazes or scrapes, are one of the most common everyday skin injuries. They occur when the top layers of skin (the epidermis) are rubbed away, often from a trip on the pavement, a fall from a bike, or an accidental bump against a rough surface.

While these wounds may look and feel painful, they’re usually minor and can be safely treated at home with the right care.  Proper wound management not only supports faster healing but also reduces the risk of infection and scarring.

Elastoplast recommends following a simple three-step wound care routine: Clean, Protect, Heal. This evidence-based approach helps your skin recover naturally while keeping the wound safe and comfortable.

An abrasion occurs when friction removes the upper layers of your skin. Unlike deeper wounds such as cuts or lacerations, abrasions usually only affect the surface layer of skin, the epidermis, and occasionally the dermis beneath it.

Scrapes and grazes often occur as a result of a fall or when the skin comes into contact with a rough surface. Some of the most common causes of abrasions are:

• Falling or slipping on a rough surface (e.g., the pavement or on gravel)
• Sports or outdoor activities with a high risk of falling (cycling, running, skateboarding)
• Contact injuries during play (young children) or exercise (adults)

Abrasions can range in severity and are most often treatable at home, but may require medical treatment if they are more severe.

1. Mild (first degree abrasion): There is superficial damage to the top layer of skin (epidermis), which may weep a pink fluid and is generally quick to heal.
2. Moderate (second degree abrasion): This affects both the top layer of skin and the layer just below (the epidermis and dermis). It may bleed lightly and feel sore.
   
3. Severe (third-degree abrasion): Also known as an avulsion, this type of abrasion involves deep tissue damage beneath the dermis. It can result in significant bleeding and usually requires professional medical care.

A fresh graze usually appears red or pink, sometimes shiny or moist, containing small specks of blood or fluid.  It will often sting or feel tender, as it can sometimes result in exposed nerve endings. As it begins to heal, a scab may form as a natural protective layer.

It’s important to quickly identify if an abrasion requires medical attention. Look out for the following as key indicators:

• The wound is deep, large, or heavily contaminated with dirt or debris
• The area shows signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling, pus)
• The wound isn’t healing after a substantial amount of time and optimal care
• Pain levels continue to increase rather than stabilise or decrease

When treating an abrasion, taking the right steps can prevent infection, reduce discomfort, and help your skin heal faster.  Follow these simple guidelines to clean, protect, and support your abrasion.

Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the wound. Rinse the affected area gently to remove dirt and debris. Avoid alcohol or hydrogen peroxide  , as these ingredients can irritate the skin and delay healing. 

For an easy, pain-free cleanse, use Elastoplast Wound Spray by spraying it directly onto the wound. This alcohol-free solution removes bacteria and dirt while being gentle on the skin and suitable for children. If any debris remains, use sterilised tweezers to carefully remove it. For persistent dirt or gravel, seek medical assistance.

Even small scrapes and grazes benefit from proper protection.  Covering the wound helps prevent dirt, bacteria, and friction from causing further irritation while maintaining a moist healing environment, which supports faster recovery and can reduce the likelihood of scarring.

For larger abrasions, XL or XXL-sized plasters or dressings provide full coverage and secure protection. Hydrocolloid plasters, such as Elastoplast Second Skin Advanced Hydrocolloid Protection XL, are particularly effective because they maintain an optimal moist environment, helping abrasions heal faster, reduce scabbing, and lower the risk of scarring.

Once the wound is clean and protected, the skin can begin to heal. Keeping it moist supports new cell growth and helps repair skin more effectively.

A thin layer of Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment can be applied under a plaster or bandage to help maintain moisture and support the body’s natural repair process, shortening healing time and minimising scarring. 

For optimum results during healing:

• Avoid picking or scratching the wound 
• Keep the area clean and protected
• Replace the dressing daily

The healing time for scrapes and grazes can vary depending on their size and severity. Most small grazes will heal within a week, while larger wounds may take up to two weeks. Following the Clean, Protect, Heal routine and using Hydrocolloid dressings like Elastoplast Second Skin Protection Hydrocolloid Advanced Plaster can help to reduce the recovery time and speed up the healing process.

Young children are especially prone to abrasions as they learn to walk and explore, so keeping a first aid kit handy and checking grazes promptly can help prevent complications and promote a faster recovery.

Immediately after a minor scrape or graze, gently rinse the wound with clean water or a mild wound spray like Elastoplast Wound Spray to remove dirt and bacteria. Once clean, cover it with a suitable plaster to protect against infection and support healing.

Even if an abrasion wound is minor, it still requires proper care.  The most effective treatment is the Elastoplast Clean, Protect, Heal method. Clean gently to remove dirt and bacteria, protect with a sterile dressing, and support healing with a moist environment  using products like Elastoplast Second Skin Advanced Hydrocolloid Protection XL, or Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment. Most abrasions will heal within one to two weeks with minimal to no scarring, while deeper wounds or infected abrasions should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Seek medical care if a wound is deep, bleeds heavily, or shows signs of infection. The guidance in this article does not replace professional healthcare advice. Always follow product instructions and consult a healthcare provider with any concerns.