You are in a hurry to leave home for office, when your hand rubs against a sharp metallic window frame that you were trying to shut! You feel a sharp pain or burning sensation in the region where your skin scrapped against the window frame. This skin damage is called an abrasion. Many of us do not really care for treating abrasions, as they are harmless and superficial. However, abrasions may be of different degrees, depending on the layers of skin damaged by them.
First degree abrasions affect only the outer epidermial layer of the skin. Second degree abrasions affect the epidermial layer as well as the inner dermis of the skin. Abrasions that affect the subcutaneous layers of the body are called third level abrasions. Symptoms of abrasions include pain or swelling of different intensity, burning sensation, redness of the skin, and muscle tenderness. An abrasion should not be left untreated, though the apparent skin damage caused by it may appear minor. Untreated abrasions can prove to be the starting point of serious bodily infections. Abrasions can be treated both internally and externally.
Home Remedies For Abrasions
Antibacterial Soap Wash
One of the primary remedies for disinfecting abrasions is to wash them with clean water and antibacterial soap. The abrasion can be patted dry with a clean towel. Do not rub on the abrasion.
Apply petroleum jelly on it, to keep it moisturized. Usage of antiseptic lotions or creams, at this juncture, can help in preventing infection and accelerating the healing process.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has been established to be a wonder medicine for the skin. It is not only useful for beautifying the skin, but it is also found to be an effective skin medication.
It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and skin repairing properties, which make it one of the most effective options for treating abrasions. Aloe Vera leaf can be split and its gel applied on the affected area of the skin.
Vinegar
Everything is not sour about the vinegar! The sweet news is that vinegar is found to be effective in cleaning and disinfecting wounds and healing them. A solution of one part of Vinegar in 3 parts of warm water can be dabbed on the abrasion with a sterilized swab of cotton.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is an effective disinfectant and wound healer. Mix it with thyme tea and apply on the abrasion for faster relief and skin recovery.
Vitamin E
Though there is no specific diet for treating or curing abrasions, you could eat certain items that help in controlling skin infection (if any), and help in the healing process. Vitamin E is one such nutrient that immensely benefits the skin. Its antioxidant properties help in combating infection and healing the abrasion faster.
Vitamin E also helps in improving the overall health of the skin and preventing scarring. Sunflower seeds, red chili powder, paprika, peanuts, almonds, pine nuts spinach, olives, taro root and dried apricots are all vitamin C rich foods which can be included in your daily diet. An overall nutritionally balanced diet helps in healing abrasions faster.
Dock Leaves
The Round-leaved Dock Leaves, Sharp Pointed Dock leaves, and Bloody-veined Dock Leaves, with their anti-infection and astringent properties are used for treating abrasions and boils. An infusion and a decoction is made with these leaves and applied on the affected area directly.
Water
Water keeps your body hydrated and helps in flushing out toxins. This is important for keeping the skin healthy and thereby discouraging the growth of any infection.
Water also keeps the skin moisturized naturally, thereby reducing its vulnerability to infection. Hence, one should drink 10-12 glasses of water per day to help in treating the abrasions effectively and faster.
Plantain Leaf
You may find it hard to believe, but the common plantain leaf found in your backyard has got excellent healing properties in the case of skin infections. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it an ideal medication for relieving pain and itching in the case of skin abrasions. Plantain leaf can be used for treating abrasions in the form of a tea or infusion. It can also be chewed.
Honey
Honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and skin rejuvenating properties. Its antiseptic properties prevent the formation of scars. This delicious and sweet golden syrup can be eaten as well as applied on the abrasion for disinfection and faster healing.
Marigold Flowers
Marigold flowers serve humans more than simply beautifying their gardens or table tops! Marigold, also known as Calendula, has a lot of medicinal properties. It is not only effective in treating minor skin problems such as abrasions, but also serious skin conditions such as skin ulcers and eczema.
The anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and soothing properties of marigold have been used beneficially for treating stomach ulcers, besides abrasions and other skin conditions. Marigold leaves can be crushed, and a paste made with a small amount of water and applied on the abrasion.
Parsley
If you thought parsley is simply added to your food for flavor and attractiveness, you are mistaken! The wise old chefs who introduced parsley in your cuisine, actually added some unique medicinal benefits to the dishes that used this herb!
It contains Vitamin C that benefits the skin by reducing scars and blemishes caused by abrasions, by stimulating collagen, which is responsible for repair of damaged skin cells and birth of healthy new skin cells. Eating parsley or applying crushed and pasted parsley on the skin, heals abrasions and promotes healthy skin growth in the damaged region, faster.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a very common household herb that is found in most kitchens, as it finds wide culinary uses. Turmeric has antibiotic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which make it an apt choice for disinfecting and healing wounds. Make a paste of powdered turmeric and apply it directly on the wound.
Elderflower
Elderflower has anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. The Elderflower leaves are insecticidal This makes the flowers and leaves of the Elderflower plant perfectly suited for treating abrasions. It is particularly effective when mixed with lard. The ointment made with the mixture is directly applied on the abrasion.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.