A scraped knee is a common childhood injury, but they are also relatively easy to treat. The most common cause of scraped knees is falling or rubbing the knee against a rough surface. You may have a feeling of a sharp stabbing pain that comes and goes. Usually, it is not a serious injury and can be treated at home.
However, it is important to take some precautions to ensure that a scraped knee does not become infected. Learn how to treat a scraped knee at home safely. Regardless of how common these injuries may be, parents will be concerned about how to treat them. The good news is that, in most cases, parents can safely treat minor scrapes, cuts, and bruises at home. As a result, it is important to keep an eye on the wound in order to prevent infection or other complications.
What Are The Signs Of An Infection?
As soon as you have a skinned knee, you should take steps to reduce the risk of infection. Call your physician if you suspect that your knee has become infected.
Signs of infection include:
- A Fever
- Swelling
- Foul Odor Coming From The Wound
- Pus Or Discharge
- Increasing Amounts Of Pain
- The Wound Looks As If It Has Gotten Worse
- The Area Feels Warm To The Touch
- Healing Is Not Taking Place
One less common complication is tetanus, a bacterial infection. Especially if you have not had a tetanus shot in the last five years, you may need one if you believe the skinned knee came into contact with something rusted or dirty. It is important to note that tetanus is a potentially serious condition.
What To Do When You Scrape Your Knee
If you’re looking for an effective way to treat scraped knees, then you have come to the right place.
If you have scraped your Knee Pain Lancaster as a result of tripping on the sidewalk or falling off a bike, here is how you can treat it at home:
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Wash Your Hands
Germs are easily transmitted. Make sure you wash your hands or ensure that the person who is treating you washes their hands. As a result, infection will be reduced.
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Stop The Bleeding
It is rare for a scrape to bleed profusely. Nevertheless, if your wound has not stopped bleeding, apply pressure to it with clean fabric or gauze until the bleeding ceases.
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Wash The Scrape
The scrape should first be washed gently with water. Wash the area around the wound with a non-irritating soap. Avoid the use of hydrogen peroxide. In some cases, it may irritate the wound.
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Remove Debris
It is common for scrapes to contain debris such as dirt, sand, gravel, or dust. Ensure that any debris in your scrape is removed. Moreover, a clean cloth or sterile tweezers can be used for this purpose.
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Apply Antibiotic Ointment
Immediately following the removal of any debris from the wound, rinse the knee with water, pat it dry with a clean cloth, and apply an antibiotic ointment. Neosporin and Bacitracin are two examples. It is possible to purchase them at any drugstore and in many supermarkets.
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Bandage The Wound
Cover the wound with a clean, non-stick bandage. Moreover, ensure that the bandage is changed frequently and that the skinned knee is gently washed on a daily basis.
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Watch Out For Infection
Be sure to check for signs of infection when changing your bandage. Furthermore, you should consult your doctor if the skin around your wound remains red and inflamed, and the wound is hot or smells.
The Best Way To Minimize Scarring From A Scraped Knee
The healing process of cuts and scrapes may result in scarring, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), you can minimize scarring by keeping the wound moist with petroleum jelly. It is not necessary to use antibacterial ointment if the area is kept clean, according to the AAD. After the wound has healed, it is important to protect the area from the sun, as UV exposure will increase scarring for up to six months. For best results, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher liberally and reapply frequently. Furthermore, contact dr ali pain management if you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s scraped knee.Thankfully, premier pain management centers offer several treatments to address knee problems including physiotherapy and painkillers.
What Is The Recovery Period?
It may take one to two weeks for a minor skinned knee to fully heal. Once the wound has healed and any scabbing has fallen off naturally, it is considered fully healed and no longer susceptible to infection. For several weeks, the area may remain pink or pale.
Normally, you should continue to keep the area clean and change the bandage daily to prevent infection. Moreover, an infection will require additional treatment and delay the healing process.
Furthermore, if a scab forms, it is important not to pick at it. In response to an injury, your body produces scabs as a form of natural bandage. In most cases, scabs fall off within two weeks once they are no longer necessary to protect the skin underneath.
What Is The Best Time For A Doctor’s Appointment?
If any of the following injuries occur, they should be treated immediately:
- An injury that continues to bleed after five minutes of steady, firm pressure
- Deep puncture wounds or injuries that appear particularly deep or gaping may require stitches.
- The presence of foreign materials embedded in an injury, such as glass, metal, or wood
- An animal or human bite
- Any injury that shows signs of infection, such as increasing pain, swelling, redness, or warmth
- Do not remove larger embedded objects from a puncture wound, such as a knife or stick. In case of doubt, leave the object alone. A doctor can safely remove them.
Note: If a wound is not healing properly, a child with a chronic condition, such as diabetes, should see a doctor immediately.
Kits For Your First Aid
You can prepare your own first aid kit or purchase one from your local drug store if you do not already have one. In addition, you may want to keep a first aid kit in your vehicle.
Any first aid kit should contain the following supplies:
- Antiseptic wipes
- Absorbent compress dressings
- Adhesive bandages in different sizes
- Antibiotic ointment packets
- Adhesive cloth tape
- Roller bandage in different size
- Space blanket
- Instant cold compress
- Non Latex disposable gloves
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Moist towelettes
- Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- Scissors and tweezers
- Triangular bandages
- Sterile gauze pads in different sizes
- Thermometer
- Breathing barrier for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
- First aid book
- Aspirin for possible heart attack
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, every car should have a first aid kit. Moreover, consider adding the following items to the list, especially during the summer months:
- EpiPen
- Sunblock
- Benadryl
- Bug spray
- Tick remover
- Water bottle for rinsing wounds
- Ziploc bags for teeth or a tick that is removed
- Anti-nausea medication
It is a good idea to take a first aid course as a starting point for parents, teachers, or even babysitters.
Outlook
Although a scraped knee can be painful and painful, it is usually not a serious injury. It is important to keep the wound clean and apply antibiotic ointment. Additionally, as the skin graft heals, keep it covered to prevent dirt or other debris from coming into contact with it. If you notice signs of infection, see a doctor to prevent the scrapping from getting worse. Moreover, you should constantly monitor your knee to check its healing.
Premier Pain Centers
Premier Pain Center offers high-quality medical treatment for patients suffering from severe muscle pain. It is the organization’s mission to provide comfort and peace to its members in order to fulfill its mission.
In terms of providing high-quality medical care related to pain, our physicians are highly qualified, skilled, and experienced. Pain management, physical therapy, and therapy management are all part of our comprehensive patient care program.
Please contact us if you are interested in scheduling an appointment.