Abrasions

What is an abrasion?

An abrasion is a superficial rub or wearing off of the skin, usually caused by a scrape or a brush burn. Abrasions are usually minor injuries that you can treat at home.

When should I call my child's physician?

In general, call your child's physician for abrasions that:

• are located close to the eye or on the face
• are embedded with debris such as dirt, stones or gravel
• show signs of infection such as increased warmth, redness, swelling or drainage
• cover a large area of the body (such as the chest or back or an entire limb)