In a medical standpoint, an abrasion is described as a cut or a wound occurring mostly on the skin and it is not deeper than the epidermis. The problem mostly happens because the skin is destroyed by direct contact with things like rough surfaces, which later makes the skin upper layer rub away. The skin abrasion can be caused by allergic reaction or even an insect bite. When abraded, the skin gets worn and torn off. Other signs and symptoms can be swelling, redness, tenderness, itching or a burning sensation. Also, mild skin abrasions do not leave scar; however, the deep one can cause scar tissue to form.
Skin abrasions might take 5 to 10 days to heal, which relies on your wound severity. Some of the body parts that are more prone to this problem include the elbows, knee or ankles. Children can contract skin abrasions easier than adults. In spite of the fact that skin abrasions are quite popular and they are not severe, you had better treat them right away to prevent further damages.
In case you have a severe abrasion which is painful or swollen after 15 days, it is extremely vital to seek for medical intervention. On the other hand, a mild abrasion can be treated effectively with some simple and natural home remedies.
Natural Home Remedies for Skin Abrasions
Aloe Vera
Regarding skin treatment, aloe vera is considered as one of the safest and most successful materials. Thanks to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing effects, aloe vera is beneficial for keeping your skin staying moisturized, hence accelerating the healing process.
How to apply:
Grab a aloe vera leaf to extract the gel;
Rub the gel over your affected skin areas;
Allow it to sit on your skin for a while;
Repeat this process up to thrice per day or until the wound gets healed.
Also, aloe vera is one of the safe and natural home remedies for peeling skin.
Honey
Honey benefits your skin in various ways. It helps speed up the process of healing caused by abraded skin. Honey shows its effectiveness in curing the wound and then fighting with infection due to its antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also lowers the risk of getting scars.
How to apply:
Apply honey directly on the affected skin areas and then have it covered by a bandage;
Leave it for at least one hour;
Get rid of the bandage and wash it off with warm water;
Follow the treatment thrice daily for several days.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil helps get rid of skin abrasions because of its moisturizing and healing effects. When used in the skin, the oil creates a protective layer in order to prevent the affected skin from bacteria, viruses and dust. In addition, it accelerates the process of healing by fixing damaged skin tissue.
How to apply:
Rub some coconut oil over your affected skin and wait for the absorption;
Do not wash it off and reapply twice per day.
Neem
Neem is well-known for its ability to deal with skin abrasions because it contains anti-inflammatory along with antiseptic agents. The herb can prevent the skin from further infection. It partly contributes to the production of collagen so as to boost the healing.
How to apply:
Combine some neem juice with turmeric powder;
Rub the mixture over your affected skin areas;
Wait for a few hours and then wash it off with warm water;
Follow the same process thrice daily for a few days.
Plantain
Plantain owns its potential healing agents to treat some skin-related problems such as cuts, abrasions and small burns. It can help ease the pain and alleviate the itching thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory contents. Those substances accelerate the process of healing to help prevent infection.
How to apply:
Pound some plantain leaves to form a paste;
Rub it over the affected skin area;
Wait for the dryness and then have it washed with warm water;
Repeat the same process daily for a few days.
Dock Leaves
Dock leaves can be applied as lotion to solve some skin wounds. You can freely use those leaves to apply directly to the affected skin areas.
Clean the Wound
Wound must be cleaned to help prevent the skin against further infection caused by microbes. Before drying the wound with a clean cloth, you need to use antiseptic soap as well as warm water to wash the skin.
How to apply:
Use antiseptic soap to wash the abraded skin;
Dry the wound with a clean cloth;
Rub some petroleum jelly over the affected area to make the skin stay moisturized;
Use a bandage or sterile dressing to cover the wound.
Wound Dressing
In fact, dressing the wound is one of the most essential parts that needs to be done regularly. You can apply ointments as well as antiseptic creams to accelarate the healing process.
Additional Tips
When you finish rinsing the skin with water, you can apply cod liver or vitamin E oil over the area in order to accelerate the healing process.
Apply some cotton balls soaked in apple cider vinegar to the affected skin. The action helps banishing the bacteria which may trigger infection.
Diet for Skin Abrasions
Eat Foods Rich in Protein
Proteins are regarded as the building cells in your body. They are provided to help maintain the body tissue and repair the damaged one.
The lack of protein can inhibit the process of healing triggered by skin abrasions. It is highly recommended that patients should eat about 1.5 grams of protein each pound of the body weight to speed up the recovery.
Some proteins-rich foods are chicken, milk, eggs, nuts and fish.
Consume Foods with Good Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are considered as one of the major source of energy. They aid in accelerating the healing process.
Bear in mind that you'd better include good carbohydrates into your daily diets because refined ones can slow down your healing process. Foods packing with "healthy" carbohydrates consist of quinoa, oats, brown rice or legumes.
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