Healing Center

Learn About Cuts and Scrapes

What are Cuts and Scrapes?
Key Symptoms
What Causes Cuts and Scrapes?
Treatment and Prevention
How Supplements Can Help
Self-Care Remedies
When to Call a Doctor
References
Evidence Based Rating Scale

What are Cuts and Scrapes?
Cuts and scrapes are injuries that penetrate the outer layer of skin. A cut pierces or slices the skin, while a scrape abrades the surface.

Most minor cuts and scrapes will heal on their own, usually within a week to 10 days. Because the skin serves as a protective barrier against germs, however, even minor cuts and scrapes can leave the body vulnerable to infection. A few simple precautions will reduce the risk of infection and speed up the healing process.

If a cut is deep, the edges don't easily come together, or if the skin has been puncturedâ€”such as by a nail, or other sharp objectâ€”medical attention should be sought immediately.

Key Symptoms

Narrow slices or tears in the skin that usually bleed
Superficial skin abrasions that show redness or bleeding

What Causes Cuts and Scrapes?
Cuts are typically caused by an encounter with a sharp object--a knife, razor blade, piece of glass or metal, even the edge of a sheet of paper. Scrapes usually result from a fall or other type of accident, as friction against a rough surface rubs away some of the skin.

Treatment and Prevention
For minor cuts and scrapes, there are a number of topical supplements that relieve the pain, prevent infection, promote healing, and reduce the risk of scarring. Don't rely on these if you have a large cut or a puncture wound, however, or if there are signs of infection. Such cases require medical attention.

How Supplements Can Help
When the bleeding has stopped and the wound has been cleansed, any one of a number of natural products may be useful. Lavender and or tea tree oils have both been shown to promote healing and guard against infection. Or you can dab on a tincture of Echinacea or Calendula. For more details, please see the individual WholeHealthMD entries on each of these supplements.

After you apply a topical agent, bandage the wound. Each time you change the dressingâ€”three or four times a dayâ€”spread some Aloe vera gel or a Calendula containing product over the wound and bandage lightly.

Everyday for five days after the injury, take vitamin A, vitamin C, and bromelain (an enzyme derived from pineapple). Also, consider drinking tea made with the herbs Echinacea and goldenseal. Taken together, all of these supplements will boost the immune system and speed up the healing process. (1-11)

Self-Care Remedies

Stopping bleeding is the first order of business--unless the injury is a puncture wound. Let a puncture wound bleed freely for several minutes to allow germs to be flushed out. If necessary, press gently around the wound to encourage it to bleed. To stop the bleeding of minor cuts and scrapes, apply steady pressure directly over the wound for several minutes, using a clean cloth, gauze, or tissue. If blood soaks through, apply another layer (do not remove first) and apply additional pressure. Pressure may need to be held for as long as five minutes (without removing the pressure to check on the bleeding) to allow blood time to clot. If possible, elevate the injured body part above the heart to slow blood flow to that part of the body.

Thoroughly cleanse the area around the injury by holding it under cold running water with enough pressure to remove any foreign particles or by swabbing it gently with a clean, wet cloth If the surrounding area is dirty, clean it with a mild soap, but keep the soap out of the wound to avoid irritation. If necessary, remove any particles of dirt from the wound with a pair of clean tweezers that were dipped in alcohol. (12)

If you can't wash the wound, lick it; then clean it properly when you can. A study in the prestigious journal Lancet found that saliva contains a number of substances that can help kill bacteria and promote healing. (13)

Bandage the wound with a sterile dressing, especially if it's in a place likely to get dirty or further injured, such as a hand, foot, or knee. Bandages with a petroleum jelly or laminate coating are useful for abrasions with drainage to avoid having the dressing stick to the wound. Primary dressings such as Band-Aid brand products are slightly absorbent and are used for minor wounds that have little to no drainage. Secondary dressings such as gauze or cotton provide additional absorbency, compression, and protection. Change the dressing frequently, but don't leave it on for more than a couple of days. Exposure to the air will reduce the risk of infection and speed up healing. (12)

Never pick at a scab no matter how good it feels--this could lead to infection or scarring. Removing the scab also removes some of the newly generated skin tissue. Simply let the scab fall off after the skin has healed. (14)

Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly as a substitute for antiseptics and antibiotic ointments. (15)

When to Call a Doctor

If you have a puncture wound, especially in the head, neck, chest, or abdomen
If blood spurts out or bleeding cannot be stopped
If the cut is deep, large, or has not closed
If the cut or scrape is dirty and can't be cleaned, or if the dirt can't be seen
If there are slivers of glass or fragments of metal in the wound
If there are any signs of infection--pus, swelling, fever, red streaks radiating from the injury
If the cut or laceration is on your face--you may want to have the wound sutured by a plastic surgeon in order to reduce scarring
If you get a dirty cut, scrape, or puncture wound and haven't had a tetanus shot--or can't recall getting one--in the past 10 years. In addition to the tetanus shot, your doctor may administer an injection of tetanus immune globulin, a substance that acts fast to prevent a tetanus infection. (16)

General Guideline

Among the possible topical applications, choose one with a single ingredient or use a combination of ingredients that is already prepared. Do not mix multiple topical agents on your own.
Avoid using hydrogen peroxide. Although the bubbles are interesting, it actually removes important tissue healing substances that help to glue the wound together in the healing process.

References

1. Hsu S. Green tea and the skin. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005 Jun;52(6):1049-59.
2. HalcÃ³n L, Milkus K. Staphylococcus aureus and wounds: a review of tea tree oil as a promising antimicrobial. Am J Infect Control. 2004 Nov;32(7):402-8.
3. Preethi KC, Kuttan R. Wound healing activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2009;20(1):73-9.
4. Preethi KC, Kuttan G, Kuttan R. Anti-inflammatory activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis Linn. and its possible mechanism of action. Indian J Exp Biol. 2009 Feb;47(2):113-20.
5. El Ashry ES, Rashed N, Salama OM, Saleh A. Components, therapeutic value and uses of myrrh. Pharmazie. 2003 Mar;58(3):163-8.
6. Klein AD, Penneys NS. Aloe Vera. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1988;18:714-20.
7. Wicke C, Halliday B, Allen D, Roche NS, Scheuenstuhl H, Spencer MM, Roberts AB, Hunt TK. Effects of steroids and retinoids on wound healing. Arch Surg. 2000 Nov;135(11):1265-70.
8. Hunt TK. Vitamin A and wound healing. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1986 Oct;15(4 Pt 2):817-21.
9. Cevikel MH, Tuncyurek P, Ceylan F, Meteoglu I, Kozaci D, Boylu S. Supplementation with high-dose ascorbic acid improves intestinal anastomotic healing. Eur Surg Res. 2008;40(1):29-33.
10. MacKay D, Miller AL. Nutritional support for wound healing. Altern Med Rev. 2003 Nov;8(4):359-77.
11. Scazzocchio F, Cometa MF, Tomassini L, Palmery M. Antibacterial activity of Hydrastis canadensis extract and its major isolated alkaloids. Planta Med. 2001 Aug;67(6):561-4.
12. W. Steven Pray. Caring for Minor Wounds. US Pharm.2006;4:16-23.
13. Benjamin N, Pattullo S, Weller R, Smith L, Ormerod A. Wound licking and nitric oxide. Lancet. 1997 Jun 14;349(9067):1776.
14. The Molecular Biology of Wound Healing. PLoS Biol. 2004 August; 2(8): e278.
15. Information from your family doctor. Cuts, scrapes, and stitches. Am Fam Physician. 2004 Jun 1;69(11):2647-8.
16. American College of Emergency Physicians. Web page. Available at http://www3.acep.org/patients.aspx?id=26078. Accessed August 30, 2009.
17. Bromelain. Alternative Medicine Review 1998; 3(4): 302-305.
18. Reifen R. Vitamin A as an anti-inflammatory agent. Proc Nutr Soc. 2002 Aug;61(3):397-400.

Evidence Based Rating Scale

The Evidence Based Rating Scale is a tool that helps consumers translate the findings of medical research studies and what our clinical advisors have found to be efficacious in their personal practice into a visual and easy to interpret format. This tool is meant to simplify the information on supplements and therapies that demonstrate promise in the treatment of certain conditions.

Supplement/
Therapy

Rating

Explanation

Aloe vera

Favorable use topically to reduce wound healing time. Dosage: Apply cream or gel liberally to wound 2 or 3 times a day. (1)

Bromelain
Studies indicate anti-inflammatory properties and reduced healing time for wounds. Dosage: 500mg three times a day between meals. (10,17)

Calendula officinalis (marigold)

Favorable use topically to reduce wound healing time. Dosage: Apply cream to wound 3 times a day in place of aloe or lavender oil. (1)

Echinacea
May have benefit in boosting the immune system after it has been compromised. Can be applied topically as well as taken orally. Dosage: 350-650 mg freeze-dried root OR 2 tsp. liquid extract 3 times a day. Apply 1 tsp. liquid extract (diluted with 1 tbsp. water) to wound 2 or 3 times a day as alternative to aloe vera or lavender oil. (1)

Lavender

Favorable use topically to reduce wound healing time. Dosage: Dab on wound 2 or 3 times a day as alternative to aloe vera. (1)

Tea tree oil

Small studies indicate antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may reduce wound healing time. Dosage: Apply cream to wound 3 times a day in place of aloe or lavender oil. (2)

Vitamin A
May accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation. Dosage:

Supplement Recommendations for Cuts and Scrapes

From Joyce Frye, DO/MBA/MSCE at WholeHealthMD:

Topical supplements help soothe pain, speed healing, stave off infection, and reduce scarring. However, they're only for minor cuts and scrapes. Large wounds that don't close, wounds with pieces of wood, dirt, glass, etc., puncture wounds, or cuts that are infected need medical attention.

How to Take the Supplements

Topical supplements

After you carefully clean the cut and the bleeding stops, rub lavender oil gently on the wound to kill germs and promote healing. You can use tea tree oil cream or calendula cream as a worthy substitute; both help to fight infection, and they reduce scarring. Another option is to try the liquid extract form of echinacea, diluted with a little water.

After this first aid, bandage the cut or scrape and change the dressing once or twice a day. Each time, apply either aloe vera gel or calendula cream to the cut to diminish inflammation, stop infection, and promote healing.

Oral supplements

Take the oral supplements together for five days after the accident. Vitamin A and vitamin C act as anti-inflammatories and speed healing. (If you're taking our suggestions for a basic daily nutritional program--which includes a high-potency multivitamin and good antioxidant complex--the extra supplements are probably unnecessary.)

The pineapple enzyme bromelain has similar anti-inflammatory properties. Taking some extra echinacea orally supports your immune system to prevent a local infection.

Additional tips:

Sip some soothing herbal teas. Those made with echinacea and goldenseal, for instance, help bolster immunity and fight infection.

Grow your own aloe vera plant. Then, whenever you have a minor cut or scrape, break off a leaf, slice it down the middle to reveal the clear, cool aloe vera gel, and dab the gel over the wounded area. Repeat two to three times a day until healed.

Important:

We at WholeHealthMD strongly recommend that everyone take a high-potency multivitamin/mineral and well-balanced antioxidant complex every day. It may be necessary to adjust the dosages outlined below to account for your own daily vitamin regimen. All of our supplement recommendations also assume you are eating a healthful diet.

Be aware that certain cautions are associated with taking individual supplements, especially if you have other medical conditions and/or you're taking medications. Key cautions are given in the listing below, but you need to see the WholeHealthMD Reference Library for a comprehensive discussion of each supplement's cautions and drug/nutrient interactions.

Multivitamins Cuts and Scrapes

The Right Multivitamin

Women, men, those over 50, those with chronic illness, and vegetarians have special needs to consider when choosing a multivitamin. Review your special needs below.

Why Everyone should be Taking a Multivitamin

There's nothing like a sound, low-fat diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to supply the vitamins and minerals we need to stay healthy. Unfortunately, we don't always eat well. Add to that the possible harmful effects of stress, aging, lack of exercise, pollution and illness, and supplements become even more important. That's why so many experts now recommend that everyone take a daily multivitamin.

The Right Choice: See Our Multivitamin Chart

This chart outlines the key vitamins and minerals your multivitamin should supply and the main benefits of each nutrient. It also gives what's called the daily value (DV) - a new government standard that generally corresponds to the RDA. The DV satisfies minimum daily requirements and helps prevent a deficiency disease, such as scurvy (lack of vitamin C). The higher levels of vitamins and minerals found in many multivitamins may actually help prevent disease, delay its onset or even lessen the severity of certain ailments.

Good Reason to Take an extra-strength Formula

If you eat an optimal diet of low-fat foods, at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and chicken, lean meat, or fish several times a week, you can probably get away with a once-daily formula. But even those who consume a fairly well rounded diet and yield to junk-food lapses only occasionally can benefit from an extra-strength formula. If your idea of lunch is a slice of pizza and a diet soda, look for a multivitamin in the upper ranges of our chart.


		*•Read the label carefully* to see what you're getting. Many "high-potency" formulas provide only extra amounts of the less-expensive ingredients. •Don't pay more for "timed- released" or "related" products. They're not worth the extra cost. *• Check the serving size.* You may need to swallow up to six extra-strength pills a day to get the amounts listed on the label. *•Don't double up on one-a-days* You'll be getting too much of certain nutrients, and not enough of others. If you want an extra-strength formula, buy one. *• Avoid mega doses* that greatly exceed the upper doses listed in our chart, especially with fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K; the minerals iron and selenium; or when taking any supplements long term. Be sure to account for any vitamins and minerals you may also be taking as individual supplements or as part of an herbal formula.

Finding the Right Multivitamin for You

Vitamins	Main Benefits	DV	One-A-Day	Extra-Strength
Vitamin A	Fights infections; maintains eye and skin health. May be supplied in part as beta-carotene, which may lower the risk of cancer and heart disease and boost immunity. Pregnant women should not take more than 5,000 IU of vitamin A daily, but higher doses of beta-carotene are safe.	5,000 IU	5,000 IU	5,000-10,000 IU (up to 25,000 IU as beta-carotene
Vitamin C	Fights colds; may help prevent cancer, heart disease, cataracts. If your formula doesn't supply at least 500 mg, consider taking an extra supplement.	60 mg	60-100 mg	100-1,000 mg (up to 25,000 IU as beta-carotene
Vitamin D	Promotes healthy bones and teeth; may protect against cancer.Adults may be deficient even with the usual doses of 400IU in multivitamins. Those over 50 should get at least 1000 IU and those over 70 may need at least 2000 IU of Vitamin D3. Avoid daily doses exceeding 10,000 IU, which may be toxic.	400 IU	200-400 IU	may need an additional 1000IU above what is in the multivitamin. Get a Vit D blood test to determine your needs.
Vitamin E	May help prevent cancer, heart disease, and cataracts. Everyone should get at least 200 IU daily. Avoid doses above 1,200 IU, which can cause headaches.	30 IU	30-100 IU	100-400 IU
Thiamin (B₁)	Aids energy production; promotes nerve and heart health.	1.5 mg	1.5-25 mg	25-100 mg
Riboflavin (B₂)	May prevent cataracts and migraines; helps heal rosacea.	1.7 mg	1.7-25 mg	25-100
Niacin (B₂)	Helps lower cholesterol and improve circulation; fosters healthy nerve cells.	20 mg	20-25 mg	25-100 mg
Vitamin (B₆)	May prevent heart disease and stroke; maintains nervous system health. Avoid taking more than 200 mg on a daily basis.	2 mg	2-25 mg	25-100 mg
Folic acid	Prevents birth defects, heart disease, possibly some cancers. Pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant should get at least 600 mcg daily.	400 mcg	400 mcg	400-800 mcg
Vitamin (B₁₂)	Promotes nerve health; prevents heart disease. People over 50 and vegetarians should look for formulas that supply at least 100 mcg.	400 mcg	400 mcg	50-400 mcg
Vitamin K	Promotes blood clotting; helps strengthen bones.	80 mcg	0-80 mcg	60-300 mcg
Biotin	Promotes healthy nails, hair, and nerves.	300 mcg	0-100 mcg	100-300 mcg
Pantothenic acid B(₅)	Strengthens nerves; promotes energy metabolism.	300 mcg	0-100 mcg	25-100 mcg
Minerals
Boron	Builds strong bones, teeth, and nails.	*	0-50 mcg	50 mcg-2 mg
Calcium	Prevents or slows osteoporosis. Women of all ages and men over 50 need at least 1,200 mg daily. A separate supplement is probably necessary. Avoid daily doses of 2,500 mg or higher.	1,000 mg	0-25 mg	25-400 mg
Chromium	Maintains healthy blood sugar levels;helps break down fats.	120 mcg	0-100 mcg	100-200 mcg
Copper	Prevents cardiovascular disease; maintains bones, tendons, and nerves.	2 mg	1-2 mg	1-2 mg
Iron	Prevents anemia in younger women. Men and postmenopausal women should opt for iron-free formulas. Vegetarians who avoid all animal products and women with heavy periods should get at least 18 mg a day. Don't exceed 65 mg daily.	18 mg	0-18 mg	0 -18 mg
Magnesium	Protects against heart disease; may ease asthma and diabetes.	400 mg	100-200 mg	200-400 mg
Manganes	Strengthens bones; may be good for the heart and prevent seizures.	2 mg	2-5 mg	5-10 mg
Molybdenum	Helps the body use iron and burn fats.	75 mcg	25-65 mcg	65-100 mcg
Potasssium	May help prevent high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.	3,500 mg	5-100 mg	5-100 mg
Selenium	Helps prevent cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and macular degeneration; fights cold sores and shingles. Get at least 100 mcg a day, but avoid daily doses above 900 mcg, which can be dangerous.	70 mcg	0-100 mcg	100-200 mcg
Vanadium	Builds bones; may aid people with diabetes.	*	0-25 mcg	25-50 mcg
Zinc	May cure colds, relieve prostrate complaints, and slow macular degeneration. Vegetarians who avoid all animal products, including dairy and eggs, should aim to get 30 mg. Don't exceed 60 mg daily, which can be harmful.	15 mg	15 mg	15-30 mg

Special Needs

Women

of all ages need at least 1,200 mg of calcium daily, through supplements or diet, to slow bone loss. Most multivitamins don't supply this much: A separate calcium supplement is probably your best bet. Younger women, especially those with heavy menstrual periods, need plenty of iron (18 mg a day ). Those considering pregnancy should get extra folic acid and avoid high-dose vitamin A. Special "women's formulas" may contain expensive herbs you may not need.

Men

should avoid multivitamins containing iron: Iron build-up has been linked to heart disease. Be wary of "men's formulas that tout ingredients like saw palmetto for prostate complaints. Many of these high-profile "extras" are present in such small amounts that they provide little or no therapeutic benefit.

Over 50,

opt for iron-free formulas: Too much of the mineral can cause heart problems. Look for vitamins B₆ and B₁₂ in the higher ranges, because as people age, they often have trouble absorbing these nutrients. Older women and men can benefit from the bone-strengthening effects of extra calcium (1,200 mg a day) and vitamin D (400 to 600 IU a day).

Chronic Illness

can lead to poor eating habits or deplete nutrient stores. Extra-strength formulas are especially important if you suffer from a long-term digestive ailment or have liver or gallbladder problems. Consult your doctor before taking supplements.

Vegetarians

who avoid all animal foods, including dairy and egg products, need at least 100 mcg daily of vitamin B₁₂. Zinc, iron and calcium are also very important minerals for strict vegetarians.

Doctor's Bio

Cuts and Scrapes

An Overview from Joyce Frye, DO/MBA/MSCE

When I consider the cuts and scrapes that appear out of nowhere on my fingers and hands, I realize that someone in my family is always shouting for a...more

Supplements We Recommend

Learn about natural remedies for your Cuts and Scrapes
WholeHealthMD doctors recommend specific vitamins, herbs, and nutritional supplements --with dosages, how-to take instructions, and other tips.

Find the right multivitamin
Virtually everyone can benefit from a daily high-potency multivitamin. Let us help you choose the best formula.

Healing Center

Cuts and Scrapes

Supplements We Recommend

News & Perspectives

From the Healing Kitchen

Latest Studies

Supplement/ Therapy	Rating	Explanation
Aloe vera		Favorable use topically to reduce wound healing time. Dosage: Apply cream or gel liberally to wound 2 or 3 times a day. (1)
Bromelain		Studies indicate anti-inflammatory properties and reduced healing time for wounds. Dosage: 500mg three times a day between meals. (10,17)
Calendula officinalis (marigold)		Favorable use topically to reduce wound healing time. Dosage: Apply cream to wound 3 times a day in place of aloe or lavender oil. (1)
Echinacea		May have benefit in boosting the immune system after it has been compromised. Can be applied topically as well as taken orally. Dosage: 350-650 mg freeze-dried root OR 2 tsp. liquid extract 3 times a day. Apply 1 tsp. liquid extract (diluted with 1 tbsp. water) to wound 2 or 3 times a day as alternative to aloe vera or lavender oil. (1)
Lavender		Favorable use topically to reduce wound healing time. Dosage: Dab on wound 2 or 3 times a day as alternative to aloe vera. (1)
Tea tree oil		Small studies indicate antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may reduce wound healing time. Dosage: Apply cream to wound 3 times a day in place of aloe or lavender oil. (2)
Vitamin A		May accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation. Dosage: