Abrasions: First Aid Care for Scrapes, Cuts, and Grazes

Abrasions are superficial skin injuries such as scrapes, grazes, or shallow cuts. They are among the most common wounds seen in both children and adults. In most cases, abrasions can be safely treated at home using basic first aid supplies, provided proper wound care is followed.

Because abrasions are so common in everyday Canadian life—at playgrounds, schools, sports fields, and homes—it’s important for parents, caregivers, teachers, and coaches to know how to manage them correctly and recognize when medical care is needed.

Common Causes of Abrasions in Children

Children experience abrasions frequently due to their natural activity levels and developing coordination.

Typical causes include:

• Falls while running, climbing, or learning to walk

• Rough-and-tumble play on playgrounds or schoolyards

• Bicycle, scooter, or skateboard accidents

• Sports-related contact injuries

Young children are particularly prone to falls because their head size is proportionally larger than their body, affecting balance. Older children and teens often sustain abrasions during organized sports or outdoor recreation.

When to See a Doctor

Although most abrasions heal without complications, medical care should be sought if:

• The wound is deep and bleeding does not stop after firm pressure

• There is embedded debris such as gravel, glass, metal, or wood

• The abrasion is large, jagged, or has uneven edges

• You are unsure whether the child’s tetanus immunizations are up to date

Knowing when to escalate care is a key skill taught in Canadian first aid courses.

First Aid Management for Abrasions

Most minor abrasions can be managed at home using the following steps:

1. Clean the wound

   • Rinse under clean, cool running water to remove dirt and debris

   • Use saline or a diluted antiseptic if available

   • Clean surrounding skin gently with gauze soaked in warm water

   • Always wipe away from the wound, not toward it

2. Control bleeding

   • Apply firm, direct pressure for up to 15 minutes if bleeding is present

   • If bleeding continues, seek medical care

3. Protect the wound

   • Apply a thin layer of ointment or moisturizer

   • Cover with a sterile, non-adhesive dressing

4. Ongoing care

   • Change dressings daily for the first 2–3 days

   • Keep the wound moist initially to reduce scabbing

   • After a few days, allow the wound to be exposed to air

5. Bathing and healing

   • Remove dressings during bathing and allow clean water to run over the abrasion

   • Do not allow the child to pick at scabs, as this increases infection and scarring risk

Monitor the wound closely for signs of infection, including increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. Medical assessment is required if any of these develop.

This guidance supports early first aid care but does not replace professional medical advice when complications arise.

Why First Aid Training Is Important

Proper wound care reduces infection risk, improves healing, and minimizes scarring. Learning how to manage abrasions is a foundational skill taught in Canadian first aid training, especially for parents, educators, childcare workers, and coaches.