Yes, you can generally shower with a scraped knee, and this practice is often beneficial for cleaning the wound. A minor scrape, or abrasion, involves only the superficial layers of the skin, where the epidermis has been damaged but the dermis remains largely intact. The running water in a shower provides an effective, gentle way to rinse away dirt, debris, and loose contaminants from this type of superficial skin injury.
Showering Safety for Minor Abrasions
Showering is a preferred method over bathing when caring for a minor abrasion because it minimizes the risk of infection. A bath causes the wound to soak in a pool of standing water, which can quickly become contaminated with bacteria washed off the body. Conversely, a shower uses continuously flowing, fresh water to flush the wound, significantly reducing the exposure time to potential pathogens.
While showering is safe for most minor scrapes, it is not advisable for more serious injuries. Avoid showering if the wound is deep, still actively bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure, or has widely separated edges that may require stitches. Any wound with exposed fat, muscle, or tendon tissue, or one that has a deeply embedded foreign object, requires immediate professional medical attention. For simple, non-bleeding abrasions, the gentle flow of water promotes a clean healing environment.
How to Clean the Scrape During Your Shower
The key to cleaning a scrape during a shower is to use lukewarm water, as hot water can increase inflammation and potentially cause stinging or discomfort to the injured tissue. Direct the stream of water so it flows over the scrape rather than hitting it with high pressure, which could dislodge a forming clot or irritate the wound bed. The mechanical action of the running water is sufficient to remove most surface debris.
Clean the skin surrounding the scrape with a mild, unscented soap, but avoid getting the soap directly into the open wound, as chemical components can cause irritation. Instead, let the soapy water gently run off the surrounding skin and over the scrape for a final rinse. Allow the water to run over the area for several minutes to ensure all soap residue and contaminants are gone.
Drying and Dressing the Wound
Immediately after leaving the shower, gently pat the scraped area dry using a clean, soft towel or sterile gauze. It is important to pat rather than rub, as friction can reopen the wound or cause unnecessary pain and irritation to the newly exposed tissue. Drying the wound quickly prevents the moist environment that bacteria thrive in from forming.
Once the scrape is dry, apply a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the wound surface. Keeping the scrape moist helps accelerate healing, minimizes scabbing, and reduces the risk of scarring. Cover the scrape with a sterile, non-stick bandage or dressing to protect it from contamination and injury. Change the dressing daily, or anytime it becomes wet or dirty, and monitor the area for increasing redness, swelling, or warmth, which signals an infection.