Various kinds of injuries might result in abrasions, which is superficial wounds which affect the surface of the skin—the epidermis. Light abrasions caused by contacts between the skin and rough surfaces can be healed using home remedies and generally do not require medical attention. However, some types of abrasions might be more severe and tear the skin deeper into the dermis. Despite its size, abrasions—and other types of wounds might be prone to scarring.

Why scars occur

Our body has several natural ways to promote skin healing after minor and severe injuries. The most common ones, which often occur with almost any kinds of wound are bleeding and scarring. When skin is wounded, the body pump larger amount of blood to the wound site as a natural cleansing way to begin the healing process. Eventually, new skin cells are formed, and to protect these delicate cells, a temporary coverage in a form of a skin crust—the scab is formed. Scars occur when these scabs are damaged, which means damaging the new skin cells and inhibiting tissue repair during the healing. Scars which occur after abrasions might be minor and temporary. However, these scars can last for a long time and tend to be visible if deeper layer of the skin is damaged.

Abrasions and scars

Does abrasion leave scars? Mostly no. Minor scrapes on the facial skin will not likely to trigger scarring. Even though these scrapes leave scars on your facial skin, these scars might not be noticeable. Other abrasions in different parts of the body may or may not trigger scarring, and this possibility might be based on some conditions, such as:

• Depth of the wound.

Abrasions which cause damage on the dermis, rather than merely the epidermis tend to trigger more scars. This kind of wound which is superficial but is infected and spread into the deeper layer also causes more severe scarring.

• Wound care.

Proper wound care also minimizes scarring, while late treatment might lead to infection, causing a higher chance of scarring.

• Susceptibility to scarring.

Minor abrasions do not usually cause scarring. Hence, some people are prone to scarring, and this is the cause why even minor scrapes can form scars.

When it comes to larger, deeper abrasions known as lacerations, stitches or medical sutures might be required to give the wound a proper enclosure, especially if the wound has jagged edges which do not approximate. With this kind of abrasion, the risk of scarring is higher. This scar might occur as a result of the sutures, which are removed within weeks after the treatment.

Preventing scars on scrapes

Preventing wounds is the best way of avoiding the risk of scarring. Hence, in daily basis, injuries happen and thus, abrasions might be one of the result. To avoid the possibility of scarring with abrasions—minor and severe, a proper wound care is straightly necessary. Treating the wound quickly and properly will minimize scar formation by promoting sufficient new skin cell growth. Below are some things you can consider in taking care of abrasions and minimize scarring.

• Cleanse the wound in daily basis with mild soap and warm water. With a clean washcloth, rub the wound site gently to remove dirt and formed skin crust. Do not scrub it as it will irritate the wound and might cause infection.
• If you choose not to bandage abrasive wounds, make sure you still provide sufficient moist environment for new skin cells to grow properly. Applying a dab of petroleum jelly onto the wound site regularly. Vaseline or petroleum jelly is also helpful in minimizing sticking skin which may come off when the wound dressing is removed. Hence, it prevents bleeding and wound reopening, which is beneficial in minimizing scarring.
• Check possible signs of infection every day. Be cautious of redness and inflammation occurring around the site of the wound. Infection heighten the risk of scarring, as it damages inner tissues of the wound site.
• Do not pick any formed scabs. With abrasions, scabs are likely to form. This usually causes severe itching. However, to prevent large scars, avoid picking the scabs which will slow down healing process.