Home Remedies and Herbs for Cuts, Scrapes and Abrasion

Cuts, scrapes, and abrasions are skin wounds that break the skin. These are also known as lacerations. The skin is the body’s primary frontline protector against infection. When cuts, scrapes and abrasions occur, it leaves the body susceptible to developing infections. ¹

Cuts, scrapes and abrasions can range from quite mild and shallow to severe and deep. If deep enough, cuts can damage tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, blood vessels and even bone. ²

Cuts, scrapes and abrasions can occur anywhere on the skin depending on the cuts and scrapes causes. Cuts on arms, elbows, hands, legs and knees are most common as these areas are most frequently used and help brace you during a fall. 

Young children commonly develop cuts, scrapes and abrasions from accidents and falls. These wounds must be thoroughly cleaned and treated immediately to prevent the child from developing and infection.

What Causes Cuts, Scrapes, and Abrasions?

There are countless cuts and scrapes causes and they almost always happen as accidents. Cuts and scrapes causes are often the result of using sharp objects that puncture the skin. Falls, trips or other accidents can also cause cuts, scrapes and abrasions to the skin due to impact from the ground.

Cuts, Scrapes, and Abrasions Symptoms

There are several different symptoms of cuts, scrapes and abrasions that vary depending on the nature of the wound. Some common cuts and scrapes symptoms include: 

• Redness 
• Swelling and inflammation
• Pain and discomfort
• Bleeding
• Difficulty using that part of the body that is affected by the wound, especially when there are cuts on arms or legs

Severe abrasions, cuts and scrape symptoms can produce a fever if the wound has become infected. The wound may also ooze pus and emit a foul smell when infected. ¹

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Cuts, Scrapes, and Abrasions

Wounds should always be cleaned immediately to prevent infection. In addition to cleaning the wound, there are several cuts natural remedies to help skin heal and stop infection. Here are some of the best cuts natural remedies to try at home:

• Flaxseed Oil - Flaxseed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids which have natural anti-inflammatory health benefits that can help reduce swelling caused by cuts and scrapes.
• Wheat Germ Oil - Wheat germ oil contains vitamin E which is beneficial for skin wounds. Wheat germ oil can help nourish skin and help cuts heal faster.
• Honey - Honey has natural antiseptic health benefits that can prevent infection from open cuts and scrapes.
• Coconut Oil - Coconut oil can help reduce inflammation and nourish skin that has been damaged by cuts and scrapes. Coconut oil can also help prevent scarring.
• Aloe Vera - Aloe vera is a well known cuts natural remedy that can help nourish skin and prevent potential scarring from skin cuts, scrapes and abrasions.
• Turmeric - Turmeric can help alleviate scrapes symptoms like swelling and redness due to its natural anti-inflammatory health benefits.

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/wounds 
2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000043.htm