Abrasions and Lacerations
Abrasions are wounds where the surface layer of skin has been taken off. Deeper damage, especially involving
underlying muscle, nerves and blood vessels, is a laceration; these wounds are typically torn and jagged, and are
often badly pulped.
The first action needed is always to stop any bleeding. Elevation of the wound (holding it higher than the rest of
the body) will always help. Clean the wound as far as possible: holding it under cold running water will
substantially remove debris although embedded particles may need to be removed with forceps or tweezers. Large
wounds may need pressure to bring the edges together, and usually require stitching.
Wounds containing badly pulped tissue, or showing uncontrollable suppuration, should be treated cautiously
Treatment
The choice of lotion or ointment to apply depends on the nature of the wound. Homeopathic lotions are known as
tinctures, and may be put directly on the wound, or on a pierce of gauze (the gauze should be kept moist). They are useful when maximum penetration of a wound is necessary. It is rarely necessary to apply the tincture undiluted, as
a dilution of about I in 10 parts water works just as well, and is more economical. Ointments are more greasy, and
do not penetrate as well as tinctures, but they have the advantage of sealing the wound to some extent and so the
wound may not require further covering.
For wounds oozing dark, (venous) blood.
Hamamelis tincture diluted 1 in 10, applied locally.
Internally Hamamelis 6c, every 3-4 hours.
For wounds with bright red (arterial) blood.
Calendula tincture 1 in 10, applied locally.
Internally Calendula 6c, every 3-4 hours.
If local inflammation (redness, heat, swelling and tenderness) sets in.
Hepar sulph 6c, every 3-4 hours.
For wounds likely to suppurate.
Equal parts of Hypericum and Calendula tincture (Hypercal) diluted 1 in 10, applied locally.
Internally Calendula 6c, every few hours.
For pain that is sharp, intense and shooting.
Hypericum 6c internally, every 3-4 hours, or whenever the pain returns.
