What is a graze?
- Superficial injury where the top layer of skin is torn or scraped off
- Commonly caused by sliding falls
- Road dirt and gravel can become embedded in the wound and can cause infection if not cleaned or removed properly
- Grazes can be quite painful
Graze treatment
- Stop the bleeding by elevating the limb and applying local pressure to the area
- Clean the wound of foreign bodies, dirt & debris
- Do NOT remove large objects (e.g large pieces of glass, as this may cause further damage and more bleeding
- Refer the customer to a doctor for treatment
- Use an antiseptic if necessary
Always seek medical advice if the graze:
- Won't stop bleeding
- Cannot be cleaned properly or if there are particles that cannot be removed
- Causes loss of function
- Becomes infected
Refer to a health care professional if the patient has underlying medical conditions.
Treatment options
Consider SOLOSITE when grazes are dry.