Can’t touch water or take a shower after skin abrasion?

That is not the case.

There are some rumors that you cannot touch water or take a shower after a skin abrasion, but this is not correct.

On the contrary, proper cleaning and care are very important after skin abrasions, because cleaning will not only not have a negative impact on the wound, but will help prevent infection and promote healing.

First of all, it is important to understand that skin abrasions refer to scratches or scrapes on the surface of the skin, which damages the skin's natural barrier and makes it susceptible to bacterial infection. Therefore, keeping the wound clean is key, and not touching it with water is not a way to keep the wound clean enough.

The correct approach is to gently clean the wound with clean running water to remove dirt and bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. However, avoid using detergents with irritating chemicals to prevent further damage to the injured skin. When bathing, be careful not to soak in water for a long time, otherwise it may delay wound healing. As for simple bathing and showering, there is no big problem, just be careful to rinse thoroughly after bathing, and gently pat dry the moisture of the abrasion to ensure that the wound remains dry and clean.

However, it should be noted that if the wound is deep or bleeding, you should avoid using overheated water or strong scrubbing to avoid aggravating the existing damage or causing inflammation. In addition, for severe abrasions or wounds with signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, increased pain, or pus, it is recommended to seek medical treatment in time.

In short, proper cleaning and care are necessary after skin abrasions. Although completely avoiding contact with moisture seems safe, it is actually unscientific.

Author: Tang Jiaoqing, MD, attending physician of dermatology

Review | Feng Jun, deputy chief physician of the Dermatology Department of Sinopharm Tongmei General Hospital