Friction burns: Causes, treatment and care

Published: June 2025

Friction burns are a common type of skin injury caused by rubbing or scraping the skin against a rough surface, also known as an abrasion. While they might seem minor at first, they can be painful and, in some cases, lead to infection or more serious skin damage. Whether it's a scraped knee from a fall or a rope burn during exercise, understanding how to treat and prevent friction burns is essential for proper wound care.

A friction burn occurs when the skin is rubbed harshly against another surface, causing layers of skin to wear away. This type of injury combines two kinds of damage: abrasion (scraping) and heat burn caused by the friction itself. They are particularly common in children, athletes, and people involved in manual work or accidents.

Just like heat burns, the severity of a friction burn is typically classified into three degrees, depending on how many layers of skin are affected. 

A first-degree friction burn affects only the outermost layer of skin (epidermis). Symptoms include redness, mild swelling, and discomfort. These are the most common and usually heal quickly with basic first aid.

These types of friction burns penetrate deeper, reaching the dermis (the second layer of skin). They may cause blistering, more intense pain, and noticeable swelling. They require careful wound care to avoid infection and scarring.

Extending through all layers of the skin and possibly damaging underlying tissues, third-degree friction burns are the most severe. The affected area may appear white, leathery, or charred. These burns require urgent medical attention and may need specialist treatment, such as skin grafting. 

Depending on the severity of your friction burn, you may be able to treat it at home. If the burn is larger than a few centimetres or blistering is severe, it’s advisable to seek medical advice. Effective treatment helps relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent infection. 

• Step 1: Wash your hands to prevent introducing bacteria into your wound which could lead to infection. 
  
• Step 2: Gently clean the area to remove any debris. Elastoplast Wound Spray is gentle, sting-free and helps remove dirt and bacteria to reduce the risk of infection. It is alcohol-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin and safe for children. 
• Step 3: Protect the wound with Elastoplast Second Skin Hydrocolloid Dressings. These advanced dressings create a protective barrier that cushions the wound, maintains moisture, and helps prevent bacteria from entering. They also adapt to the skin like a second layer, staying securely in place even on joints or moving areas. 

Avoid picking at scabs or blisters, as this can lead to scarring. 

• Step 3: Protect the wound with Elastoplast Second Skin Hydrocolloid Dressings. These advanced dressings create a protective barrier that cushions the wound, maintains moisture, and helps prevent bacteria from entering. They also adapt to the skin like a second layer, staying securely in place even on joints or moving areas. 

Avoid picking at scabs or blisters, as this can lead to scarring. 

While most minor friction burns can be treated safely at home, there are times when medical attention is essential. You should see a doctor if: 

• The burn is large, very painful, or deep 
• It covers a sensitive area such as the face, hands, feet, or joints 
• Burns that show no signs of improvement after a few days, or continue to worsen 
• If you notice signs of infection like redness, swelling and a foul odour 
• If you're unsure whether the burn is second- or third-degree 
• If it was caused by a road accident or dirty surface, where the risk of embedded debris or infection is higher 

Friction burns heal in three key stages, with each phase playing a vital role in the recovery process: 

• Inflammation: This initial phase begins immediately after the injury. Blood flow to the area increases, leading to redness, warmth, swelling, and sometimes pain. This response helps the body clear out debris and bacteria while preparing the site for healing. 
• Proliferation: As inflammation settles, the body starts to rebuild the damaged tissue. New skin cells, collagen, and blood vessels form to close the wound, and a scab will develop. This stage can last anywhere from several days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the burn.
• Remodelling: In this final phase, the newly formed skin continues to strengthen and mature. Collagen production slows, and the skin works to restore its natural texture and pigmentation. This stage can continue for weeks or even months. 

Superficial (first-degree) burns may heal within a few days, while deeper burns (second-degree) may take several weeks. Third-degree (full-thickness) burns require professional medical treatment and can take much longer to heal. 

Friction burns occur when the skin rubs against a rough surface or material with enough force to damage the upper layers of the skin. This can happen during everyday activities, exercise, accidents, or even routine movements. They are particularly common in children, athletes, cyclists, and individuals who are physically active. Below are some of the most common causes: 

Road rash is a type of friction burn caused by falling or sliding across rough outdoor surfaces such as tarmac or gravel. It’s common among cyclists, motorcyclists, runners, and skateboarders. Road rash often covers large areas of skin and may contain embedded dirt or grit, which increases the risk of infection if not properly cleaned. Protective clothing and safety gear, such as elbow and knee pads, can help reduce the severity of these injuries. 

Rope burns occur when a rope or similar material moves quickly across the skin, generating enough friction to cause a burn. This type of injury is often seen in activities like sailing, climbing, tug-of-war, or abseiling. Rope burns can be painful and may lead to blistering or even partial-thickness skin loss, especially if the rope is heavy or wet. Wearing gloves and using proper technique can help prevent rope burns during physical or recreational activities. 

Carpet burn, sometimes called rug burn, happens when the skin is dragged or scraped across carpeted flooring. It’s a common injury in children playing indoors or adults who fall or slide on carpet. Though typically superficial, carpet burns can still be uncomfortable and should be treated carefully to avoid infection. Soft surfaces like synthetic mats or textured carpets can increase the friction, making the burn worse if the skin is unprotected.