Home Remedies for Abrasions

Wait a minute…an abrasion is just a scratch on the top layer of skin, let it go, right? Why do I need a remedy for a ‘scratch’?

You do need a remedy for any kind of tear in your skin. Why? The answer is called infection, which is something you don’t want, particularly in a SHTF scenario. Any kind of cut, tear or scratch in your skin is a way for infection to start setting up home in your body. Normally, if you did get an infection, you would go to your doctor and he would more than likely prescribe you some kind of antibiotic. In a SHTF scenario, going to a physician will probably be hard to do and so will getting an antibiotic. The solution to this problem is prevent infections as best you can right out of the gate.

Abrasions are relatively shallow cuts on the top layer of your skin. Think of an abrasion as a scrape rather than a laceration. A laceration is more of a ‘cut’ usually made with a sharp object, but an abrasion is when your top layers of skin have been rubbed or ground away because you came in contact with a rough surface while moving.

Usually an abrasion doesn’t even raise your concern. But, again, in a SHTF scenario, I would be trying to prevent every infection possible. The best thing is that an abrasion is very easy to treat. Treating an abrasion will not only prevent an infection, but it will help to speed up the healing process. There are several natural treatments which will help with the healing of your abrasion.

To start, after the abrasion is received, it needs to be cleansed with some cool water and antibacterial soap if you have some. After cleansing, pat the area dry.

Lavender oil is good for abrasions, and can be dabbed on or applied twice a day for a few days. Lavender oil works well as a disinfectant and helps to promote healing.

Aloe Vera is also another great helper in healing. Aloe Vera – For Your First Aid Kit ? Aloe Vera has great anti-inflammatory properties and anti-bacterial properties. Although you can purchase aloe Vera gels and sprays, your best bet is to keep an actual aloe Vera plant in your home. When it’s needed, cut a leaf and slit it down the middle. The gel will be released. Place the gel or the entire split leaf right onto the abrasion. You will feel relief almost immediately from any burning sensation you may have.

Vinegar is also another great natural treatment. Vinegar is natural astringent which makes it a nice wound cleanser. Mix one tablespoon of vinegar with 3 tablespoons of warm water and dab onto the abrasion several times a day. This will help to keep your abrasion clean and help to speed up your healing process.

These are just a few natural remedies that will help with an abrasion. Vinegar and aloe Vera are two items you should really have in your supplies.  They are easy for just about everyone to obtain and they are inexpensive. Lavender oil may be harder for some people to get, although just about anything can be ordered online today.

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