First Aid For Scrapes

Scrapes(or abrasions) are skin wounds that rub or rip off the skin. Most scrapes are superficial and do not spread far into the skin, but some scrapes may remove some layers of skin.
Generally there is slight bleeding from a scrape, but it might discharge a pinkish liquid. Most scrapes are minor, so home treatment is generally all that is required to care for the wound.
Scrapes take place most often in hot weather or warm environments when the skin on the legs and arms is more visible.
They are generally caused by accidents or falling but can occur anytime the skin is scoured against a solid surface, such as the ground, a pavement, a rug, or a road. School-age kids ages 5 to 9 are commonly affected.
Scrapes can take place on any part of the body but generally affect scrawny areas, such as the knees, shins, elbows, hands, or forearms.

When you have a scrape:

Discontinue the bleeding with direct force to the wound.
Examine if other tissues, such as blood vessels, nerves, joints, ligaments, tendons, bones, or internal organs, have been damaged.
Decide if you need to be evaluated and examined by a GP.
Clean the wound and eliminate any dirt or fragments to avoid infections, reduce blemishing, and avoid “tattooing” of the skin. (If dirt or other fragments are not removed from a scrape, the fresh skin starts to heal over it. The fragments can then be viewed through the skin and often appears like a tattoo.)
Decide if you require a tetanus shot.