How to Treat a Scraped Knee

Almost all of us have had a scraped knee at some point of time. Knee injuries such as this one are most rampant amongst children owing to their outdoor activities. Although, scraping a knee is a seemingly minor injury, it can be extremely painful, especially for little children.

Healing of a scraped knee is a difficult process as you are likely to put stress on it during the healing period. It may take about 10 to 15 days for the wound to heal completely and form a scab. The scab falls off when the wound dries and may leave a scar on the skin.

Usually, basic first aid is sufficient for treating a scraped knee. One must also take measures to protect the knee wound from infection. Here are a few steps you can take for scraped or skinned knee treatment.

Although, we generally tend to treat knee scraping as a very minor form on injury, one must always assess the extent of injury. If the cut is deep, then you may need to get it sutured from a medical practitioner.

Similarly, medical intervention is required if the knee is bleeding profusely. In this case, chances are that you might have damaged some blood vessels. Take the person to a medical facility if the bleeding does not stop within 10 minutes.

If the wound appears superficial, then you may proceed to treating it on your own. Take a clean paper towel or gauze pad and absorb the blood from the wound. Gently, press the area around the wound, so that blood clots do not form around it.

This is the most crucial step of treating a scraped knee. Infections mainly stem from unclean wounds. First, take a clean cotton ball or gauze pad and soak it in clean tap water. Then, gently scrub the wound off any visible debris. Remove clinging dirt particles and other foreign bodies.

However, do not scrub it harshly as you will rupture the tender blood vessels and trigger the bleeding again. Repeat the procedure 2 or 3 times with a fresh gauze pad each time.

When the wound appears fairly clean, apply a liquid antiseptic solution such as Dettol, Savlon, Iodine tincture or hydrogen peroxide to it. Dab the wound with a gauze pad after the solution has dried. Apply a topical antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover it with a band-aid or hold it in place with a cotton ball and medical tape.

The wound will take at least a week to heal and the scab to form. During this time, it is important to prevent any pus formation and infections. Clean and dress the wound at least everyday until it dries completely. If you must, you may also leave it open on alternate days to speed up the healing process.

Check if there is any fluid accumulation. If you only find clear, odorless fluid, then it is tissue fluid, required for healing. If you see sticky, yellowish pus oozing from the wound emitting a foul odor, then be assured that the wound is infected. You may then need to apply antibiotic ointments to it or seek medical help.

What if you get yourself hurt while a camping trip or stranded at some location where you have no access to antiseptic lotions and ointment! In such a case, certain home remedies can help you treat your knee without the fear of infection. Firstly, clean the wound with salt water solution by wiping it with a clean wash cloth. Repeat the procedure a few times.

This may sting a lot, but as salt water is natural disinfectant, your chances of getting an infection are minimized. Next, dab some turmeric powder on the wound and leave it open. Turmeric is also a natural antiseptic which prevents infection and also promotes healing. Additionally, it also prevents permanent scarring of the skin.

If you are a diabetic or have some other medical illness which prolongs the healing process, then it is best to get it examined by a medical practitioner.