When should I see a doctor about a graze?
You do not need to see a doctor about a graze. They heal quickly anyway – usually within a week.
A graze (or abrasion) takes place when just the top layers of skin are scraped off. Grazes, also called abrasions, are usually a harmless scrape of the upper skin layers that occurs after falling on the arms or legs.
Grazes can also form from scratching against a rough surface, with some skin subsequently coming off.
They are very common injuries – and can range from mild to severe. Grazes are most likely to occur on the:
- Hands
- Elbows
- Knees
- Shins
- Ankles.
A typical graze on the knee
Grazes can be painful, since they sometimes expose many of the skin’s nerve endings. However, they don’t typically cause much bleeding.
So. What should I do about a graze?
Most abrasions can be treated at home. You do not need to seek medical help. This is what to do:
- Begin with washed hands
- Gently clean the area with lukewarm water and mild soap. Remove dirt or other particles from the wound using tweezers
- For a mild scrape that’s not bleeding, leave the wound uncovered
- If the wound is bleeding, use a clean cloth or bandage, and apply gentle pressure to the area to stop any bleeding. Elevating the area can also help stop bleeding
- Cover a wound with a thin layer of topical antiseptic ointment, and a clean gauze or large plaster.
Watch the area for signs of infection, like pain or redness and swelling.
Summary
We have explained when should I see a doctor about a graze. You do not need to, unless one gets very infected.
