Injuries to the knee are a common occurrence. However, scraped knees are also relatively simple to treat. They typically occur after a fall or when your knee contacts a rough surface. A scraped knee is not usually a severe injury. Scraped knees can be managed at home by a simple bandage. However, intense scratches or cuts need serious medical attention. Children encounter scraped knees more often than adults due to their adventurous period of life.
Possible Causes of Scraped Knees
Any cuts, wounds, bruises, scratches, injuries, and inflammation at the knee surface may be identified as knee scrapes. These scraped knees are observed as a result of certain specific movements, including the following
- Tripping
- Stumbling
- Mishaps during running, climbing, playing sports like football, slipping.
- Accidents as a result of skateboarding or cycling
Types of Scraped Knee
Scraped knees are categorized according to the type of wound on the knee surface. This wound may be of different intensities and appearances
- Bruises- a damaged blood vessel that starts bleeding due to a blunt object.
- Cuts and lacerations-the wounds that damage fat tissues of knees
- Scrapes and scratches – the wounds that mainly affect the skin surface and are not very deep, commonly on the knees, elbows, and hand palms.
Steps to Treat A Scraped Knee
Scraped knees are primarily encountered in outdoor activities, so there are maximum chances of infection from exposed knee injuries. Before handling the scraped knee, ensure your hands are washed and sanitized. The pain clinic Fort Worth recommends the following treatment after washing hands.
Apply Pressure: The bleeding in the affected area is stopped by applying direct pressure through a gauze or clean cloth.
Wash Wound: Gently clean the wound with clean water and soap within five minutes.
Remove the Debris: Use a clean tissue or piece of cloth to remove any dirt or debris present at the site of the wound.
Drying the Wound: Now, allow the wound area to dry out with the help of a sterile gauze.
Application of Ointment: Mainly, antibiotic ointments are applied to the wound and covered with a bandage.
When are Stitches Needed For The Scraped Knee?
Not all wounds of scraped knees can be managed at home. If the cut is split or has created a gap, sutures are required to close it. The amounts ranging between 6 and 12 mm are necessarily closed by careful stitches. Medical severe care is crucial for open cuts within 6 hours to avoid infections.
Keep Observing Signs of Infection
The appropriate recovery time for most of the scraped knee condition is observed to be 1-2 weeks. However, doctors at pain management clinic recommend keeping an eye on the state of wounds. If you feel any signs of infection, including redness, fever, inflammation, foul odor, or fluid discharge at the affected site, immediate medical help may be approached.
How Scraping Knee Is Prevented?
The scraped knees may leave scars at the site of wounds after recovery. However, the doctors suggest keeping the location of the scraped knee clean. As antibiotic ointments are used consistently, the skin becomes dry and rough. Apply petroleum jelly to maintain the moisture balance.
Moreover, sun exposure also hurts wound scars and may increase the recovery time. Always apply a sunblock within the 30-60 UVA range, protecting the skin from sun exposure damage.
When to Ask for Medical Help?
If you observe the following symptoms in the scraped knee wound, immediate medical help must be approached.
- The bruises are more than 2 inches long
- Debris is challenging to clean from the affected area
- The skin loss is deep
- If the affected individual is less than one year
- The wound is not recovering even after ten days
Although prevention is always better than treatments, encourage children and individuals to play safely, wearing protective gear and footwear.
How Long Does It Take To Recover?
It may take one to two weeks to fully heal a minor skinned knee. After the wound is closed and all scabbing has fallen off naturally, the damage is considered wholly healed and no longer susceptible to infection. The infection will require additional treatment and delayed healing, so keeping the area clean and replacing the bandage daily is essential.
The site may continue to look pink or pale for several weeks longer. You should not pick at a scab that has formed. Scabs are a natural bandage your body produces due to an injury. When they are no longer necessary for the protection of the skin underneath, scrabs typically fall off within two weeks.
Summary
Scraped knees are common among children, resulting from accidents and falls. Despite the temporary discomfort associated with scraped knees, most recover well with proper care and attention after approximately two weeks.
Parents should thoroughly clean the injured area, apply antiseptics, and cover the scratch with a dressing to ensure a smooth recovery and decrease the likelihood of infection. It is also essential to emphasize safe play and protect children from scraped knees and other injuries using protective gear.
