sons abrasion smells

[knysgrl]

my son got a cut looks alomst like a carpet burn on his elbow  and he has had a bandaid on it for bout 4 days ,he took it off today and omg it smells horrible , but like i said its not a cut it looks like a carpet burn, what should i do

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it sounds like carpet burns or rash due to friction rub. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. Also wear cotton undergarments. Application of mild corticosteroid cream and oral antiinflammatories like ibuprofen/acetaminophen are also helpful. If the symptoms are severe then it will be best to consult a dermatologist

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[knysgrl]

what about the smell its bad is that ok will it go away on its own ,he got the injury when he fell on the sidewalk, but im worried about the smell

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Horrible smell from a carpet burn is usually due to fungal infection of the skin. Use the above mentioned treatment and if the symptoms persist or worsen then please consult a dermatologist and get the possibility of fungal infection probed. Antifungals may be needed in such cases.

I hope it helps. Take care and God bless.