Why do grazes hurt so much

Any break in the skin can be susceptible to bacteria penetrating. Stay calm and reassure the person, even when there is a lot of bleeding. Decide if the casualty needs medical aid; ask for advice, if not sure. With children: Explain what you are doing , that it might be a little painful but they will soon feel better. Make sure, you wash your hands before applying plasters or dressings or wear disposable surgical gloves — this will cut the risk of infection.

A minor wound will soon stop bleeding. If it does not, apply a little pressure to the spot with a non-stick pad until it stops. If the bleeding continues, apply more gauze pads and keep pressure on the wound and seek medical advice. Use a clean cotton cloth sprayed with disinfectant or rinse with cold water, then pat area dry before applying a clean dressing.

If there is anything embedded in the skin, do not try to remove it. This should be left to a professional. Disinfect, then cover the injured area with an appropriate dressing such as a wound pad, compress or an adhesive bandage. Keep all cuts clean and change dressing regularly.

Is it not better to let small wounds dry at the fresh air, instead of putting on a plaster? How often should I change my plaster?

Always cover your cuts and grazes. Make sure to have a staple of different bandages and wound dressings at hand so that you are always ready, what ever the problem is. Here are our products suitable for cuts and grazes.

Most cuts and grazes are minor and can be easily treated at home. Minor wounds should start to heal within a few days. How to treat cuts and grazes Stop the bleeding Stop any bleeding before applying a dressing to the wound. If the cut is to your hand or arm, raise it above your head to help reduce the flow of blood. Clean the wound and apply a dressing When the wound has stopped bleeding, clean it and cover it with a dressing to help stop it becoming infected.

To do this: wash and dry your hands thoroughly clean the wound under drinking-quality running tap water — avoid using antiseptic as it may damage the skin and slow healing pat the area dry with a clean towel apply a sterile adhesive dressing, such as a plaster — read more about how to apply plasters and other dressings Keep the dressing clean by changing it as often as necessary.

The bleeding does not stop or slow down with pressure. Blood is quickly soaking through bandage after bandage. With moderate bleeding , any of these may be true: The bleeding slows or stops with pressure but starts again if you remove the pressure.

The blood may soak through a few bandages, but it is not fast or out of control. With mild bleeding , any of these may be true: The bleeding stops on its own or with pressure. The bleeding stops or slows to an ooze or trickle after 15 minutes of pressure. It may ooze or trickle for up to 45 minutes. A superficial scrape affects just the top layer of skin.

A deep scrape goes below the top layer of skin. The wound may gape open. There may be a cut in the scrape. The flesh may look very raw and ground up, or there may be a chunk of tissue missing.

Pain in adults and older children Severe pain 8 to 10 : The pain is so bad that you can't stand it for more than a few hours, can't sleep, and can't do anything else except focus on the pain. Moderate pain 5 to 7 : The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days.

Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it's severe when it's there. Mild pain 1 to 4 : You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities. Pain in children under 3 years It can be hard to tell how much pain a baby or toddler is in. Severe pain 8 to 10 : The pain is so bad that the baby cannot sleep, cannot get comfortable, and cries constantly no matter what you do. The baby may kick, make fists, or grimace.

Moderate pain 5 to 7 : The baby is very fussy, clings to you a lot, and may have trouble sleeping but responds when you try to comfort him or her. Mild pain 1 to 4 : The baby is a little fussy and clings to you a little but responds when you try to comfort him or her. For a dirty wound that has things like dirt, saliva, or feces in it, you may need a shot if: You haven't had a tetanus shot in the past 5 years.

You don't know when your last shot was. For a clean wound , you may need a shot if: You have not had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years.

Symptoms of infection may include: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in or around the area. Red streaks leading from the area.

Pus draining from the area. A fever. Long-term alcohol and drug problems. Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer. Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease. Medicines taken after organ transplant. Not having a spleen. To clean a wound well: Wash your hands first. Remove large pieces of dirt or debris from the wound with cleaned tweezers. Do not push the tweezers deeply into the wound.

Hold the wound under cool running water. If you have a sprayer in your sink, you can use it to help remove dirt and other debris from the wound. Scrub gently with water, a mild soap, and a washcloth. If some dirt or other debris is still in the wound, clean it again. If the wound starts to bleed, put direct, steady pressure on it. Seek Care Now Based on your answers, you may need care right away. Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care. If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour.

You do not need to call an ambulance unless: You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you. You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down. Call Now Based on your answers, you need emergency care. Put direct, steady pressure on the wound until help arrives.

Keep the area raised if you can. Seek Care Today Based on your answers, you may need care soon. Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care. If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care today. If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning. If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner. Home Treatment Home Treatment Minor scrapes can be treated effectively at home.

Bleeding Stop the bleeding with direct pressure to the wound. Prevention Prevention Since most scrapes are caused by accidents or falls, it is hard to prevent them.

Pay close attention to what you are doing. Know how to use objects properly. This can lead to the wound festering, when it may become red and oozes pus or liquid. Minor damage to the feet , even cuts or blisters, can become foot ulcers, so need immediate medical attention. If you have diabetes, seek advice from your doctor or healthcare professional about caring for wounds. Pain is another possible complication of a wound. Some wounds are painful — it may help to take pain relief medicines while the wound heals.

However, if you feel the pain is worsening you should seek medical help straightaway. Scar formation after minor injuries normally progresses without any problems. Scars tend to fade from their initial redness over time and flatten. You should keep a scar protected from sunburn, by wearing clothing that covers it, using sunscreen or staying in the shade outdoors.

Sometimes a scar will be raised and unsightly or may restrict movement. If you develop any problematic scarring like this you should see your doctor, who may refer you to a dermatologist. Some people are more prone to wounds than others. Very active people and children get injured more often than others. Older people can have thinner, more fragile skin which tears easily. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Tetanus infection can occur after seemingly trivial or unnoticed wounds, which is why it is so important to keep up with vaccinations.

Read more on myDr website. Tetanus is a bacterial illness. Read more on raisingchildren. Read more on WA Health website. Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by bacteria called Clostridium tetani. These bacteria are commonly found in the environment within soil, dust and manure. Read more on Queensland Health website. Abrasions are injuries like grazes, scratches or cuts.