An abrasion of the skin, or what is commonly termed " barked skin," is the simplest form of wound. It consists in the superficial skin being rubbed off by violence. This form of injury of course varies in severity as the amount of violence varies.

Treatment

For a slight abrasion a piece of linen or lint wetted with cold water, and covered with oil-silk or gutta-percha tissue, will generally be sufficient dressing. Or it may be covered with goldbeater's skin.

For a graze or bruised wound of considerable extent or depth, a dressing of carbolic acid and oil will be found a very serviceable application. Take of carbolic, 1 part; best olive oil, 28 parts - apply on lint or soft linen.

In a majority of cases any simple application that will protect the denuded surface, while it is being skinned over, is enough - e.g., spermaceti ointment, spread on linen, will be all that is required. One method of treatment for abrasions is to apply a piece of dry lint, and let the blood soak into it. This may be allowed to dry on the sore, and thus form an artificial scab; or the lint may first be soaked in compound tincture of Benzoin, known as Friar's Balsam.