A friction burn occurs when skin gets chaffed due to contact with a hard surface or objects like a machine, floor, or road. It causes heat burn and abrasion. Friction burns occur from road accidents, sports, exercise on treadmills, vacuum cleaners, or working with machinery in factories.
Friction burns are usually mild and can be treated with simple wound cleaning and by applying ointment. However, some can result in third degree burns which requires intensive friction burn treatment that includes surgery and months of healing and rehabilitation.
Friction burns are classified into two types:
A burn caused by a static object when a person moves quickly against it. Depending on the speed, the resulting friction may get serious and cause third-degree burns. Examples: motor vehicle accidents and rug burns.
A burn occurs when a person encounters a high-speed moving object. This burn type is dangerous because if not controlled in time leads to fatal injuries and even death. Examples: treadmill, belt sander, vacuum cleaner.
Friction burn occurs largely due to contact with machines in the workshops or factory. Other reasons include automobile accidents, falling on the hard and soft surfaces like asphalt and carpet/rug. Thus, the following reasons contribute to friction burns.
Minor friction burns are treated by running lukewarm water over the wound, applying anti-bacterial topical ointment, and bandaging it. To relieve pain taking OTC pain medication helps.
Burns that have developed blisters and are foul-smelling seek immediate medical help. Second and third-degree friction burn treatment involves cleaning debris, surgically opening the wound to remove the infection, and perhaps skin graft. Usually, overnight stay is advised depending on the severity of the wound.
If friction burns are left untreated, they can easily get infected which may lead to severe complications.
You can reduce friction burns by following these preventive methods:
Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirt or jacket, gloves, pants, and helmet while riding a motorbike or bicycle.
Wear protective pads on your knees and elbows when playing sports to reduce friction injuries.
Know the risk of using household items like vacuum cleaners and treadmills – they can cause friction burns. Avoid your children playing with these items.
Friction burn treatment for minor injuries takes a few weeks to heal. While patients suffering from second and third burns require several months of healing and rehabilitation,
Our team of specialized doctors, medical staff, dieticians, and occupational therapist provide personalized friction burn treatment plan for range of injuries and all ages. Our team works hard to heal patients beyond surviving the injury and nurture them back to health and life.
Friction burns heal within 3-6 days, if proper care is taken – gently wash the wound with water and soap to remove debris, and apply ointment.
Friction burns occur due to road rash, sports and outdoor activities, pranks, and accidents at home.
It may leave scars.
Minore friction burns can be treated with ointment and heal within a few days. However, second- and third-degree friction burns require surgical treatment (debridement and flap coverage) and rehabilitation.
Friction burns are painful and uncomfortable but they rarely bleed.
We provide effective surgical and non-surgical treatments for all parts of the body. At Cutis Hospital, our cosmetic and plastic surgery team is committed to giving patients safe and high-quality care.
