Cuts and Scrapes (Abrasions)

What Are Cuts and Scrapes?

Cuts and scrapes (abrasions) are among the most frequent minor injuries. A cut (laceration) happens when a sharp object breaks the skin, while a scrape occurs when friction or impact removes the top layer of skin.

These injuries can range from mild, surface-level wounds to deeper cuts that may require medical attention. Though they may look alarming, most heal without complications when cleaned and cared for promptly.

Proper wound care not only helps prevent infection but also minimizes scarring and promotes faster healing.

What Causes Cuts and Scrapes?

Cuts and scrapes can happen in countless everyday situations. They’re most often caused by:

• Accidental falls or trips that cause the skin to rub against rough surfaces.
• Contact with sharp objects, such as knives, glass or metal edges.
• Sports injuries from collisions, sliding or equipment contact.
• Household tasks or outdoor activities, including cooking, gardening or home repairs.
• Workplace or recreational injuries, particularly when safety gear isn’t used.

The severity of the injury depends on how deep the skin is damaged. Minor abrasions usually involve the outermost skin layer (epidermis), while deeper cuts may affect muscles, nerves or blood vessels.

Signs of Cuts and Scrapes

Symptoms depend on the wound’s depth and location, but common signs include:

• Redness or swelling around the injured area
• Bleeding (usually mild for scrapes, more noticeable for cuts)
• Tenderness or soreness
• Scabbing as the wound begins to heal
• Bruising around deeper injuries

If a cut is deep, continues to bleed after 10 minutes of pressure, or exposes fat or muscle, it may require stitches or medical evaluation.

How Are Cuts and Scrapes Diagnosed?

Most minor cuts and scrapes can be diagnosed simply by looking at them. However, a health care provider may assess the injury to determine if deeper tissues are affected or if infection risk is high.

A doctor may:

• Examine the wound’s depth and size
• Check for debris or foreign objects, like dirt or glass
• Evaluate tetanus vaccination status
• Assess for infection, especially if the area is red, swollen or oozing

In more serious cases, imaging tests like X-rays may be used to check for damage to underlying structures or objects embedded in the wound.

How to Treat Cuts and Scrapes

The goal of treatment is to stop bleeding, prevent infection and promote proper healing.

At-Home Care for Minor Cuts and Scrapes

1. Clean the wound: Gently rinse with clean water to remove dirt and debris. Avoid strong antiseptics such as hydrogen peroxide, as they may irritate the skin and slow healing.
2. Stop bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze.
3. Apply antibiotic ointment: A thin layer can help prevent infection.
4. Cover the wound: Use a sterile bandage or adhesive strip to keep the area clean.
5. Change the dressing daily: Replace bandages if they become wet or dirty.
6. Monitor for infection: Watch for redness, swelling or drainage.

When to See a Health Care Provider:

Seek medical attention if the wound:

• Is deep or gaping and may need stitches.
• Shows signs of infection (pus, redness or increasing pain).
• Was caused by a dirty or rusty object and you may need a tetanus shot.
• Doesn’t begin healing within a few days.

Medical Treatment

• Tetanus booster: Recommended if your vaccination isn’t up to date.
  
• Prescription antibiotics: For infected or high-risk wounds.
  
• Stitches or surgical repair: For deep cuts or wounds that won’t close naturally.
  
• Wound care follow-up: To ensure proper healing and minimize scarring. 

How to Reduce the Risk of Cuts and Scrapes

Although not all injuries can be avoided, simple safety habits can make accidents less likely.

Helpful Prevention Tips:

• Wear protective gear such as gloves, knee pads, or helmets during sports and manual work.
• Use caution when handling sharp tools or kitchen knives.
• Keep living spaces well-lit and clutter-free to prevent trips and falls.
• Moisturize regularly to prevent dry, fragile skin that tears easily.
• Keep vaccinations current, including tetanus shots.

Healthy skin is easier to maintain when you follow regular good hygiene practices and use basic safety precautions.

If you have a cut or scrape that isn’t healing, appears infected or was caused by a dirty or sharp object, contact your health care provider for evaluation. Prompt treatment helps ensure safe healing and lowers the risk of complications.

At Riverside Health, we're dedicated to compassionate, collaborative care. We provide a wide range of services, from childbirth to end-of-life care, delivering over 2 million services each year. Our integrated network allows us to support you seamlessly through health, illness, recovery, and wellness. With top clinicians and advanced technology, we’re here for you at convenient locations close to home and work. Visit riversideonline.com.

If you’re wondering where the best place is to get care, please see our guide below:

If your problem is life- or limb-threatening, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Primary Care – Schedule through MyChart or call your provider’s office who you go to for most health care needs.

Virtual Clinic – Schedule through MyChart or click Here to learn more about Primary Care On Demand.

MD Express Urgent Care – Click Here to find a location near you for after-hours care or when your primary care provider is not available. Open 9 am-9 pm, Mon-Sun.

Sports Medicine Hotline – Call 757-534-6767, 7 am-10 pm, 7 days a week to schedule an appointment with a sports medicine specialist. Same day/next day availability in most cases.

If you’re not sure, call Riverside Nurse 24/7 at 1-800-675-6368.