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 infection.
1. Wash your hands:
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
2. Clean the wound:
““Clean the wound under drinking-quality running tap water.
Note: Avoid using antiseptic as it may damage the skin and slow healing.” 1
Note: Avoid using antiseptic as it may damage the skin and slow healing.” 1
3. Dry the skin:
Pat the area dry with a clean towel. 1
4. Stop the bleeding:
“If the wound is bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean gauze bandage or cloth and elevate until the bleeding stops.” 1
5. Dress the wound:
Apply a sterile adhesive dressing. 1
The dressing can be changed daily if necessary or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.
Keep the wound dry by using waterproof dressings, which will allow you to take showers. 1
The dressing can be changed daily if necessary or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.
Keep the wound dry by using waterproof dressings, which will allow you to take showers. 1
When to seek medical advice
A visit to a healthcare professional is necessary if
- you can't stop the bleeding
- you're bleeding from an artery
- you experience persistent or significant loss of sensation near the wound or you're having trouble moving any body parts
- you have a severe cut to your face
- you have a cut on the palm of your hand and it looks infected
- there's a possibility a foreign body is still inside the wound
- the wound is very large or the injury has caused a lot of tissue damage 1
When was your last tetanus vaccination? Please consult a healthcare professional to consider a tetanus booster 2
How to recognise an infected wound
- becomes more painful
- is warm to touch
- looks red or swollen
- leaks pus or blood
- has an unpleasant smell
- general deteriation, feeling unwell
- If you notice signs of sepsis 3
Please contact your healthcare practitioner if you experience any of the above.
When in doubt, see a medical expert
Many common wounds can be dealt with at home. But when should a doctor be consulted? Scroll down for more information!
Medical references
1 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cuts-and-grazes/
2 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tetanus/
3 International Wound Infection Institute (IWII) Wound infection in clinical practice. Wounds International 2016
Expert wound care for grazes
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Plasters with funny images will help your children to forget the pain quickly.
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Breathable, soft and highly absorbent wound dressing with reliable, adhesion.
Leukomed®
Absorbent, sterile dressing for minor to medium-sized wounds.