An abrasion occurs when the superficial skin layer is scraped off, causing damage to capillaries and minor external bleeding.
A cut occurs when the superficial and deeper layers of skin and tissue are sliced or torn, causing damage to capillaries, arteries and/or veins and minor external bleeding.
Management
- Gain consent to provide (and document) treatment.
- Clean dirty areas with antiseptic, washing away from the wound.
- Clean the wound with water, sterile saline or a moistened gauze square.
- Control bleeding—apply firm direct pressure and rest until bleeding stops.
- Completely cover the wound with a sterile, absorbent, non-stick dressing (this may be self-adhesive).
- Obtain a roller bandage or tape to secure the dressing in place if it is not self-adhesive:
- roller bandage—with the roll facing upward, anchor the bandage over the dressing with two rotations around the limb. Then continue rotations on a slight angle along the limb towards the body until the affected area is suitably covered. Each rotation should cover approximately two-thirds of the previous rotation.
- medical tape—apply the tape over the dressing (not the wound) and ensure it is secured to clean dry skin. Do NOT stretch the tape as you secure the dressing and use enough for it to extend about 1 cm beyond the dressing.
Note
- A sterile, absorbent, non-stick and self-adhesive dressing that does not require to be secured in place with a bandage or tape may also be used to completely cover wounds. Ensure that the self-adhesive part of the dressing does not touch the wound.
- Abrasions that contain ground-in dirt, road material or other foreign material may leave serious and unattractive scars unless promptly treated by thorough cleaning in hospital. This applies particularly to abrasions or cuts on the face.
- Cleaning of a wound before any dressing is applied to it reduces the risk of infection and diseases such as tetanus. Advise the person to see a medical practitioner if they notice any signs of infection.
- Minor cuts and abrasions resulting from scrapes with rocks in the aquatic environment and coral are prone to infection.
- Refer to the latest ARC Guideline for the management of bleeding to learn more.