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Merck Manuals PROFESSIONAL VERSION

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Abrasionsby Adam J. Singer, MD

brasions are skin scrapes that may involve epidermis or part or all of

the dermis.

Abrasions are evaluated, cleansed, and debrided similarly to lacerations. They are harder to

anesthetize, however, which is particularly problematic when large amounts of dirt, stones, or

glass are embedded as is frequently the case, particularly with deep, scraping wounds; a

regional nerve block or IV sedation may be needed.

Treatment of Abrasions

Cleansing

Antibiotics

After thoroughly removing all debris (vigorous scrubbing may be needed), antibiotic ointment

(eg, bacitracin, bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin) and a nonadherent gauze dressing that is

impermeable to bacteria can be applied.

Other commercial wound dressings may be used; the goals are to keep the wound from drying

out, because drying interferes with re-epithelialization, and to keep the dressing from adhering.

Close observation and follow-up are necessary if defects are large, to check for purulent

discharge (indicating infection) or lack of wound healing.

Last full review/revision March 2015 by Adam J. Singer, MD

Lacerations

Lacerations

Abrasions

Lacerations

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Lacerations

* This is a professional Version *

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2015 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ., USA

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