Scrapes & grazes

Scrapes sting sharply and look dramatic — that's completely normal. They're almost always surface level. You've got this.

For children:

Step 3 — Apply antibiotic ointment: Apply gently and distract the child. Letting them choose their bandage helps enormously.

Steps

1
Rinse thoroughly under running water
Run cool clean water across the scrape for 1 to 2 minutes. This is the single most important step — it removes bacteria, dirt, and debris that cause infection.
2
Clean gently around the wound
Use a soft clean cloth or gauze to gently wipe around the wound. Rinse again afterward.
Tip: Hydrogen peroxide stings and actually damages tissue. Plain soap and water is scientifically better.
3
Apply antibiotic ointment
A thin layer keeps the wound moist. Dry scrapes form hard scabs that crack, hurt more, and scar more. Moist healing is faster and kinder.
4
Cover with a non-stick dressing
Use a non-stick dressing or bandage. Change once daily or whenever it gets wet or soiled.
5
Don't pick — let it heal
Mild scabbing is normal. Keep it moist. Picking reopens the wound, increases infection risk, and causes more scarring.
Important: See a doctor if embedded dirt can't be removed, or if the area becomes red, warm, swollen, or streaky in the days after.

Kit

Guidance only — in any emergency, call 911.