Superficial wound
Abrasion, Scrape, Scratch, or Skin Tear
What is it
These are usually minor injuries caused by friction that damages the skin. Examples include abrasions (scrapes), scratches, or tears affecting the surface layer of the skin.
What you can do at home
What to do
- Wash hands with soap and water before touching the wound.
- To reduce pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). When in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Important: Ibuprofen is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age.
If the wound is bleeding heavily
- Cover the wound with a bandage or clean cloth.
- Apply pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once the bleeding has slowed, gently clean the wound.
If there is debris or dirt in the wound
- Use a compress soaked in saline solution (store-bought or homemade), or running tap water, to remove debris from the wound.
- To prepare a homemade saline solution:
- Mix 240 mL (8 oz) of drinking water or boiled water.
- Add 2.5 mL (½ teaspoon) of salt.
- Once the wound is clear of debris, gently clean the wound.
Cleaning the wound
- Clean the wound with tap water and mild, unscented soap, or with a saline solution purchased from a pharmacy or prepared at home, for a few minutes, then rinse.
- If a flap of skin remains attached, carefully reposition it over the wound.
- Cover the wound with a bandage.
- Change the bandage once a day, or sooner if it becomes wet or dirty.
When to seek medical attention
- Seek medical care within 24 hours if sand, dust, metal, glass, or plastic cannot be removed from the wound.
- Seek medical care within 48 hours if a thorn or splinter cannot be removed from the wound.
- There is a sensation that something is still under the skin.
- The wound is located on a joint, such as the knee, or on a hand or foot.
- The wound is wide and/or deep.
- The wound is large:
- For an adult, it is longer than 2.5 cm (1 inch).
- For a child, it is longer than 2.5 cm (1 inch).
- The wound does not appear to be healing or is getting larger.
- Pain does not improve after 3 days.
- The skin around the wound becomes red, swollen, warm, or drains pus (yellow-green fluid).
It is important to ensure that the injured person's tetanus vaccination is up to date.
Need help?
Call Info-Santé 811, option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Consult a pharmacist for advice on medications or treatment.
Book an appointment on Clic Santé if vaccination is needed.
Book an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, option 3.
When to go to the hospital immediately
Fever, chills, or shaking
The wound or the surrounding area becomes red and warm rapidly (within a few hours)
The wound or the surrounding area continues to be very painful
A very rapid heartbeat
Heavy bleeding that does not stop despite 15 minutes of continuous pressure