What medication should be applied for skin abrasions from falling?
Nov 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
After a skin abrasion from a fall, medications that can clean the wound, prevent infection, and promote healing should be selected. Common options include povidone-iodine solution, hydrogen peroxide solution, mupirocin ointment, erythromycin ointment, and recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel. Povidone-iodine solution has broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, with low irritation. It can be directly applied to the wound and surrounding area to clean and prevent infection.
After a skin abrasion caused by falling, it is important to choose medications that can clean the wound, prevent infection, and promote healing. Commonly used products include povidone-iodine solution, hydrogen peroxide solution, mupirocin ointment, erythromycin ointment, and recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Povidone-Iodine Solution: A broad-spectrum antiseptic effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It has low irritation and can be directly applied to the wound and surrounding skin to clean and prevent infection. Suitable for various superficial abrasions, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide Solution: Commonly known as hydrogen peroxide, it produces foam upon contact with the wound, helping to remove debris and necrotic tissue. Due to its strong irritancy, it should only be used on fresh wounds with heavy contamination. After cleaning, the area should be rinsed thoroughly with normal saline.
3. Mupirocin Ointment: A topical antibiotic highly effective against Gram-positive cocci. After cleaning the wound, apply a thin layer 2–3 times daily to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Suitable for abrasions at risk of infection.
4. Erythromycin Ointment: A commonly used topical antibiotic with a broad antimicrobial spectrum. Applied to the wound surface, it forms a protective film that reduces irritation and prevents infection. Affordable and suitable for minor everyday scrapes.
5. Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor Gel: Promotes repair and regeneration of damaged skin, accelerating wound healing. Apply once or twice daily on clean, non-infected wounds to shorten healing time and minimize scarring. Ideal for those seeking faster recovery.
Before applying any medication, the wound should first be rinsed with normal saline or clean water to remove foreign particles. If the wound is deep, bleeding does not stop, or signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus appear after treatment, prompt medical attention is required.
