ABRASIONS

    These injuries occur when your skin slides across coarse materials, such as concrete, gravel, or asphalt. The top layers of skin are damaged, causing nerves, blood vessels, and lymph vessels to be exposed to the air. This causes immediate pain and creates an opportunity for germs to enter the body. After the bleeding and oozing stops, a dry protective scab will usually form within a few hours and is nature's protection against infection.

    * Washing the area gently, yet thoroughly, with Antibacterial Liquid Soap and cool water quickly reduces the pain. (Warm or hot water increases nerve stimulation and pain in most people.) Allow the stream of water to wash off all visible particulates. Pick out any embedded material. Apply Triple Antibiotic Ointment or MelaGel and allow to remain open to the air if possible. Otherwise, use a loose bandage saturated with Triple Antibiotic Ointment or MelaGel to prevent sticking. Repeat administration of Triple Antibiotic Ointment or MelaGel as frequently as needed for several days until the wound is adequately covered with a scab.