Scrape Care Options

Brandon Larsen
Oct 27, 2024
6 min read

Symptoms:

Redness and Irritation: The affected area may appear red and irritated immediately after the skin is scraped or scratched.

Mild Bleeding: Scrapes often cause minor bleeding that usually stops on its own after a few minutes.

Pain or Stinging: The exposed skin is likely to sting or feel tender, especially when touched or cleaned.

Scabbing: After a few days, a scrape typically begins to form a protective scab as it heals.

Swelling or Warmth: The area around the scrape may become slightly swollen or warm, but these symptoms should improve as healing progresses.

Common Causes:

Falling: Scrapes are common after a fall, especially on rough surfaces like pavement or gravel.

Contact with Rough Objects: Accidental brushing or hitting an abrasive surface, such as concrete, can cause skin to scrape.

Sports Injuries: Physical activity, especially in sports like soccer, cycling, or skateboarding, can lead to scrapes from falls or collisions.

Everyday Accidents: Minor scrapes can occur during routine activities, such as gardening, playing outdoors, or handling tools.

Self-Care Options:

1. Clean the Wound:

Immediate Cleaning: As soon as possible after the scrape occurs, wash the area gently with clean water to remove any dirt or debris. Use mild soap around the wound, but avoid applying soap directly to the scrape, as it can irritate the area.
Irrigation with Saline Solution: For deeper scrapes, a saline solution can help flush out dirt. You can use a pre-made saline solution from a pharmacy, or make your own by mixing a teaspoon of salt into a cup of boiling water (allow it to cool before use).

2. Stop Any Bleeding:

Pressure Application: If the scrape is bleeding, press a clean cloth or bandage against the wound for several minutes. Usually, light pressure is enough to stop the bleeding.
Elevate the Area: If the scrape is on an arm or leg, keeping it elevated can help slow bleeding.

3. Apply an Antibiotic Ointment:

Preventing Infection: After cleaning the scrape, applying a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin or Bacitracin) can help prevent infection and keep the wound moist, promoting faster healing.

4. Cover the Scrape with a Bandage:

Protection: Cover the scrape with a sterile bandage or non-stick gauze pad. This helps protect the wound from dirt, bacteria, and further irritation.
Changing the Dressing: Replace the bandage daily, or whenever it becomes wet or dirty, to keep the wound clean and encourage proper healing.

5. Let the Scab Form Naturally:

Avoid Picking: As the wound begins to scab over, it's important not to pick at the scab, as doing so can reopen the wound and increase the risk of infection or scarring.

6. Keep the Skin Moisturized:

Hydrating the Skin: Once the wound has begun to heal, applying a fragrance-free moisturizer or petroleum jelly to the area can keep the skin hydrated and reduce the likelihood of scarring.

7. Watch for Signs of Infection:

Monitoring Symptoms: If the scrape becomes increasingly red, swollen, or painful, or if you notice pus or a foul smell, it could be a sign of infection. Seek medical attention if these symptoms persist.

When to Seek Medical Help:

Signs of Infection: If the area around the scrape becomes increasingly red, warm, swollen, or develops pus, it could be infected. Persistent pain or fever may also indicate infection.

Deep Scrapes or Large Wounds: For deep scrapes that involve layers of skin or cover a large area, it’s important to see a healthcare provider, as these may require additional treatment to heal properly.

Foreign Objects in the Wound: If dirt, gravel, or other debris becomes embedded in the scrape and can’t be removed with gentle cleaning, consult a medical professional to avoid infection or complications.

Scrapes from Rusty or Dirty Objects: If the scrape was caused by a rusty or contaminated object, or if you haven’t had a tetanus shot in over 10 years (or 5 years for high-risk injuries), you should visit a healthcare provider for a tetanus booster.

Telehealth Options:

For minor scrapes or concerns about potential infection, telehealth services can provide peace of mind without the need for an in-person visit:

Teladoc Health: Teladoc can connect you with healthcare professionals who can assess whether your scrape needs further attention or if at-home care is sufficient.

Amwell: Amwell offers virtual consultations with doctors who can help evaluate signs of infection or other complications and recommend the best course of treatment.

PlushCare: PlushCare allows you to have a quick consultation with a doctor who can assess your wound and prescribe antibiotics if necessary.

MDLIVE: MDLIVE’s platform provides easy access to medical professionals who can advise you on wound care and answer any questions about healing.

In-Person Care Options:

If the scrape requires more than basic at-home care, consider the following in-person care options:

1. Urgent Care Centers:

What They Can Do: Urgent care centers are well-equipped to handle scrapes that are large, deep, or potentially infected. They can clean the wound more thoroughly, remove any embedded debris, and apply stronger antibiotics if needed.
- Cost: $75 - $150 per visit, depending on location and insurance. Additional costs may apply for wound cleaning or antibiotics ($50 - $100).

2. Pediatric or Family Physician:

What They Can Do: For children or those with medical conditions that affect healing, seeing a family physician or pediatrician ensures that any complications, such as infection, are properly managed.
- Cost: $100 - $250 per visit, with additional costs for wound care supplies or antibiotics.

3. Emergency Room (ER):

When to Visit the ER: For severe scrapes involving deep layers of skin, uncontrolled bleeding, or wounds caused by contaminated objects, an ER visit may be necessary to clean the wound, suture it if needed, and prevent infection.
- Cost: $1,000 - $3,000 per ER visit, with additional costs for stitches, tetanus shots, or antibiotics.

Additional Diagnostic and Treatment Options:

Wound Cultures: In cases of suspected infection, a wound culture may be taken to identify the bacteria causing the infection and ensure the appropriate antibiotic is prescribed.
- Cost: $100 - $300, depending on location and whether lab work is necessary.
Tetanus Shot: If you haven’t had a tetanus shot within the last decade and your scrape involves rust or dirt, getting a booster shot is important.
- Cost: $50 - $200, depending on insurance coverage and where you get the shot.

Recommended Care Pathway:

Initial Cleaning and Wound Care at Home: Clean the wound, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover with a sterile bandage.
Monitor for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye on the scrape for any redness, warmth, or pus. If these occur, consider seeking further medical attention.
Telehealth Consultation: If you’re unsure about the severity of the scrape or if an infection develops, consult with a healthcare professional via telehealth to receive guidance.
In-Person Visit (for Severe Scrapes): Visit an urgent care center or physician if the scrape is deep, infected, or if debris is embedded in the wound.

Found This Helpful?

Share your next steps in the comments below.

Need More Help? Schedule a Consultation with Us at Front Door Healthcare.

Let's talk! We’ll discuss your health goals and concerns. While we don’t dispense medical advice or care, we'll help you with:

Personalized Appointments - We'll guide you to the right medical providers, considering your preferences, budget, and quality of care.
Cost-Savings - Get assistance in finding affordable treatments, medications, and healthcare services without compromising your care plan.
Insurance & Billing Guidance - We’ll help you navigate insurance options, appeals, and billing questions, so you can focus on your health.

Click Here to Book a Consultation

Meet Noah:

Noah, an 8-year-old boy, scraped his knee while playing soccer on the playground. His parents quickly cleaned the wound with water and soap, applied antibiotic ointment, and covered it with a bandage. Despite their efforts, the area around the scrape became red and swollen after a few days.

Concerned about infection, Noah’s parents scheduled a telehealth visit with MDLIVE. The doctor confirmed the early signs of infection and prescribed an antibiotic. The telehealth visit cost $50, and the antibiotics cost an additional $20 at the pharmacy. Within a week of starting the medication, Noah’s scrape healed completely.

Noah’s parents were relieved that they could address the infection quickly with minimal costs and hassle, spending a total of $70 for the care he needed.