Abrasion care

Stupid Human

Hey there H/A I was wondering if any of you first-aid types could help me answer a quick question. I recently was in a biking accident (the cause of which is actually pretty upsetting) and now have a pretty big abrasion/scrape on my right forearm. Pretty much the whole forearm from my elbow to about 2/3 of the way to my wrist. I washed and disinfected it but was wondering if I should cover it. I looked online a bit (WebMD and a few other sites) and none of them mentioned a bandage or gauze. Any input is appreciated.

I'd give you a picture of it but right now I don't have a card reader for my camera so while I have pictures they don't do me much good.

Arasen

Is it still oozing blood at all or has the wound closed? If it's still open, wash with hydrogen peroxide, dry it it, then put a little bit of a triple antibiotic (neosporin) and some gauze on with a cling wrap to hold in place. Use triple antibiotic only while wound is open, and remember a little bit goes a long way. Other than that keep the wound clean and dry. Once wound closes, you can wash with soap and water and keep it continue to cover it with a dressing to further protect the wound. If there's any sign of infection, such as pus or a bad odor coming from the wound go see a doctor.
To do a proper gauze and cling wrap get some 4x4 or 8x8 gauze, apply directly to wound. Take cling wrap and wrap it around your arm so that it holds gauze in place. If it's still bleeding wrap so that the cling is tight enough to apply some pressure, but make sure you don't make it too tight as to restrict circulation.

Maryland EMT-B