Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Home Remedies to Treat a Skin Abrasion?

Lumara Lee
Lumara Lee

Home remedies can be very effective when used to treat a skin abrasion. Herbs, essential oils, aloe vera, and honey are useful in preventing infection after someone gets scratched or scraped. Homemade salves and ointments can be made using different combinations of these ingredients to treat a skin abrasion, and some can be used alone as an effective treatment.

When treating a skin abrasion, the wound should first be cleaned with soap and water. If there are any splinters or debris, these should be removed with tweezers. After these steps are completed, the wound can be treated by applying one of the many home remedies available.

Aloe vera gel may reduce inflammation.
Aloe vera gel may reduce inflammation.

One of the best natural remedies to treat a skin abrasion is the aloe vera plant, which contains a gel that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is very easy and convenient to use. To use it, a stalk should be broken off the plant to expose the gel. Squeezing the stalk will cause the gel to ooze out, and then it can be applied directly to the abraded skin. This will place a healing coating on the injured area that can prevent infection, and will also feel very cooling and soothing.

Skin abrasions should be cleaned with soap and water to prevent infection.
Skin abrasions should be cleaned with soap and water to prevent infection.

An easy remedy many use to treat a skin abrasion is honey, and healing properties of it have been known for thousands of years. Honey contains antibacterial constituents and can speed the healing of wounds. It should be applied directly to the abrasion, and its stickiness causes it to adhere longer than other natural remedies.

Calendula is an herb that has astringent, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil and comfrey also promote healing. A homemade ointment can be made from these three herbs and applied to the abrasion to prevent infection and promote healing.

The crushed leaves of marigold flowers promote healing and can be applied directly to the injury.
The crushed leaves of marigold flowers promote healing and can be applied directly to the injury.

Many other herbs have healing properties and can be used to treat a skin abrasion. The crushed leaves of marigold flowers promote healing and can be applied directly to the injury. Crushed parsley leaves can be used the same way to treat a skin abrasion.

Various essential oils have been used for centuries to heal wounds. Some of the most popular are myrrh, frankincense, and lavender. Each of these oils is a disinfectant that can be used to clean the wound. After cleaning, placing a few drops of any of these oils on the abrasion will ward off infection and speed up the healing process.

Discussion Comments

Talentryto

@heavanet- You should try a natural soap that doesn't contain harsh ingredients like oil-based products, parabens, dyes, and artificial fragrances. You can find natural soap in bar or liquid form, and it is also available in a wide range of formulas. The best one for abrasions should contain olive oil and honey, in my opinion.

Spotiche5

@heavanet- I always use liquid soap with antibacterial ingredients to clean cuts, scrapes, bites, and cuts. It is mild enough to use on sore areas yet strong enough to kill bacteria that could lead to infections. There are even varieties on the market that contain moisturizers, which are very soothing to injured skin.

Heavanet

I'm looking for tips for the best type of soap to use to clean skin abrasions. Some soaps are harsh, and may make this type of injury worse.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Aloe vera gel may reduce inflammation.
      By: sassyphotos
      Aloe vera gel may reduce inflammation.
    • Skin abrasions should be cleaned with soap and water to prevent infection.
      By: samantha grandy
      Skin abrasions should be cleaned with soap and water to prevent infection.
    • The crushed leaves of marigold flowers promote healing and can be applied directly to the injury.
      By: Dionisvera
      The crushed leaves of marigold flowers promote healing and can be applied directly to the injury.