How to Treat a Skinned Knee
Skinned knees are no fun. They hurt, and can even burn.
If you have kids, you’re probably no stranger to skinned knees—playground accidents, sporting injuries and falls are all common causes of these painful wounds.. But even adults can get skinned knees from mishaps.
Here are some simple ways to treat a skinned knee.
Skinned knees can consist of both scrapes and small cuts. And while cuts hurt, scrapes can be even more painful, as the torn skin exposes more nerve endings. Another important thing to know about skinned knees is that they can be really dirty—so it’s imperative that you keep them clean to promote healing and prevent infection.
Here are some simple ways to treat a skinned knee:
Quickly Assess for Other Injuries
Look around the surrounding area of the knee. Is there any bone, joint, or ligament pain? If so, call your doctor.
Clean the Wound
Wash your hands before touching the skinned knee. Then, gently clean the area with antibacterial soap and cool water. If you’re treating a small child who won’t sit still, try using wet cotton balls or swabs. Also, never overlook the power of a good distraction—perhaps a favorite stuffed animal, sucker, or even a video on your phone.
Pat Dry
Gently pat the area dry with gauze or a clean cloth—but make sure you use a light touch to prevent additional pain. If you see any signs of embedded dirt or gravel in the wound, rewash the area.
Apply First-Aid Ointment
Apply a thin layer of Bacitraycin Plus first-aid antibiotic ointment. You might want to choose Bacitraycin Plus Maximum Strength, as it also contains a pain relieving ingredient. Either Bacitraycin Plus formula will help keep the area moist and promote healing.
Cover the Wound
Cover the skinned knee with an adhesive bandage or gauze. Studies show that covered wounds heal faster than uncovered wounds. Plus, the moisture will help prevent faster healing and lessen the chance of scars.
Check the Area in 24 Hours
Remove the covering after 24 hours to check for any signs of infection. If there are no signs of infection, apply a fresh coat of Bacitraycin Plus first-aid ointment and cover the area again. Continue this process for one week.
The Final Word
Skinned knees generally take about three to seven days to heal. If the area isn’t healing after seven days, call your doctor.
