Symptoms of Grazes
Symptoms of grazes are usually immediate and easily recognisable. The pain, appearance, and discomfort associated with grazes reflect the level of surface damage to the skin. While typically not serious, grazes can be very painful due to exposed nerve endings in the outer skin layers.
Immediate Symptoms
Stinging or burning pain at the site of injury, especially when touched or exposed to air
Visible abrasion: The skin looks raw, red, or pink, and in some cases, small specks of dirt or debris may be embedded
Bleeding or weeping: Grazes may ooze blood or clear fluid due to capillary disruption
Swelling and mild inflammation around the affected area
Scab Formation
After the initial weeping phase, a scab forms over the graze:
Protects the wound as new skin develops underneath
Appears brown or reddish
Should be left undisturbed to avoid re-injury or infection
Itching and Tightness
As healing progresses:
The area may feel tight, particularly on joints or over muscles
Itching is common during scab formation and indicates healing
Scratching can lead to reopening the wound or introducing bacteria
Signs of Infection
While most grazes heal without issue, infection can occur if the wound is not properly cleaned:
Increased redness or swelling
Pus formation or foul odour
Warmth around the site
Persistent pain
Fever or swollen lymph nodes (in severe cases)
Delayed Healing
Certain individuals may notice slower recovery due to:
Underlying conditions like diabetes
Poor blood circulation
Repeated trauma to the area
Symptoms of Grazes
In summary, symptoms of grazes include immediate pain, visible skin loss, and scab formation, with potential signs of infection during recovery. Prompt wound care supports fast healing and minimises complications.
