Schedule An Appointment

Symptom Checker

Scrapes and Grazes

A scrape, or graze, happens when the surface layers of skin rub off against a rough surface. The area may sting, bleed slightly and contain dirt or grit.

Falls on pavement, playground surfaces, sports and bicycle accidents are common causes. Embedded debris can remain in the skin when the scrape happens on a dirty or gravel-covered surface.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide to Scrapes and Grazes

The AAP guide below explains how to clean and protect a scrape and which changes need medical care.

AAP Symptom CheckerScrapes

If the Symptom Checker does not appear here

It is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ own tool and it loads from their site, so a lost connection or a content blocker leaves this space empty. Open it on HealthyChildren.org with the button below, or call your office and a nurse will answer.

Open on HealthyChildren.org

Symptom CheckerScrapes New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Dirt, gravel or another material remains embedded after careful cleaning.
  • The scrape is large, deep or very painful.
  • Redness, swelling or pain keeps increasing.
  • Pus, red streaks or fever develops.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Bleeding is heavy and cannot be controlled.
  • The scrape occurred with a severe injury or another life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on knocks, pain and injuries

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms