Scrapes on facial skin is not uncommon. Facial scrapes—similar to scrapes on other body parts is caused by accidental rub of skin onto hard surfaces. Abrasions can also happen when facial skin is wounded by the nails. Facial scrapes is usually shallow and do not require serious medical treatments. However, since the face is one of the most sensitive body parts, treating the scrapes on the face should be done gently, especially when involving certain substances and products. Scrapes which tears a large area of the face should be paid attention to, since this may not only cause severe pains, but also is prone to infections. Treating the scrapes immediately and properly also plays role in minimizing future scarring.

Scrapes and scars

Facial injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, and spots are common to everyone, including children. As a matter of fact, this can be caused by many things. Rubbing the face onto the hard surface when a child is falling from his bicycle is one of the most common example. In addition, in male adults, facial cuts are commonly resulted from shaving injuries. Despite the cause, it is important to treat these scrapes properly to minimize its potential scars. Scrapes commonly cause damages to the skin surface and in some cases, inner layer. Scars which occur after scrapes heal is a result of a complex wound healing. Initially, scars is lighter than its surrounding skin tone and is definitely fragile. When the scars is re-injured, it is going to develop into worse scars, such as keloids, the raised skin scars.

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Preventing facial scrapes scars

Although all wounds are potential of developing scars, its size, its depth, and the way it is treated define how severe the scar is going to form. Light scars is going to fade along the time, without any specific treatments and medications. However, when scars develop into worse scars, it can be permanent and really hard to get rid of. When dealing with facial scrapes, treating it immediately and properly is the key to less scarring. How severe your facial scrapes are might determine how severe the scars will be. However, some procedures in minimizing these scars can be considered for treating any kinds of scrapes in order to develop less serious scars after healing.

1. Take care of the scrapes immediately. Both minor and severe scrapes require to be treated as soon as possible. Rinsing these scrapes with running cool water and mild soap will be helpful in eliminating any debris or bacteria left on it. Do not use hard liquids to cleanse the wound, since it may damage skin layers and tissues, which slows down the healing process.
2. Promote a moist environment where new skin cells can easily grow and replace the damaged cells by covering the wound with bandage. Uncovered wound can indeed still be recovered. Yet, it is going to heal tightly and may cause worse scars. When closing the wound with a bandage, use a breathable bandage with adequate pores to let the wound breathe.
3. Keep the wound away from direct sunlight, as sunlight might cause discoloration and over-dryness. This will result in worse, more visible, and more permanent scars. Do not put any sunscreen on the wounded area as the substances might cause irritation and thus, causes the wound to be more prone to infection.
4. Avoid to pick any formed scabs. Although scabs seem useless, this in fact has a major role in wound healing. Scabs, which is usually formed when the wounded scrapes start to fully heal, is a natural skin barrier, which functions to cover and protect fragile newly-formed skin beneath the wound. When this is picked, the tissues and inner skin layer might also be damaged, which will slow down the healing process.
5. Stay away from infection by keeping the wound clean and sterilized. Infection will definitely cause worse scars, because the skin layer is damaged. Avoiding harsh substances will be helpful in preventing infection. Change the bandage regularly also helps in promoting clean and healthy environment for scrapes healing. Keep your hands away for the face, as well, as hands are the parts of the body which is potential in transmitting bacteria.