Caring for grazes

Grazes are damages to the upper layers of skin caused by friction. They mostly occur on the legs, arms, hands or hips. Grazes rarely bleed profusely, but they hurt, often weep heavily and are prone to infections.

1. Wash your hands:

Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.

2. Clean the wound:

Clean the wound with running tap water. If needed pluck small pieces of grit or wood from the wound using sterile tweezers carefully.

3. Dry the skin:

Pat the area dry with a clean towel.

4. Stop the bleeding:

If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure using a clean and dry bandage, towel or handkerchief for several minutes.

5. Dress the wound:

Allow the surrounding skin to dry. Protect the graze to allow for undisturbed healing and cover it with one of the specialized wound dressings below.

When to seek medical advice

A visit to the doctor is necessary if the graze

is heavily contaminated with particles.
is on the face, especially near the eyes.
bleeds or weeps persistently. Then a pressure bandage should be applied before seeing the doctor.
causes severe and prolonged pain.
affects a large area of skin, e.g. the entire thigh.

How long has it been since the last tetanus shot? Please consult a doctor to consider a vaccination.