How To Treat Carpet Burns (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Treat Carpet Burns PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD

Last Updated: August 18, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Treating the Wound Immediately
    • |
  • Healing the Burn
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 971,663 times.

Carpet burns are abrasions on the skin caused by friction against a rough surface. Luckily, most cases of carpet burn can be treated easily at home.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Treating the Wound Immediately

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  1. Step 1 Wash your hands before treating the carpet burn. 1 Wash your hands before treating the carpet burn. The burn has damaged the skin, which is the body's first line of defense. Carpet burns and abrasions can become infected if bacteria gets inside them. If the wound does get infected, then
  2. Step 2 Clean the burned area. 2 Clean the burned area. Wash it gently with a clean washcloth using warm water and antibacterial soap. Be sure to remove any visible dirt or debris. This helps to prevent any infection.[1] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Disinfect the wound. 3 Disinfect the wound. You need to disinfect the wound to guard against infection. Use iodine, hydrogen peroxide, or an antiseptic if there are signs of dirt in the abrasion, or if any bleeding areas are deep. Soak a cotton ball in iodine, peroxide, or antiseptic and carefully dab it on the burn. All of these products may cause some pain when you apply them.[2]
    • Alcohol can inflict pain and cause harm, so avoid using it.
  4. Step 4 Apply an antibacterial cream to the injured area. 4 Apply an antibacterial cream to the injured area. Smear some Neosporin or another ointment on the carpet burn.[3]
    • Check the burn for any deeper damage, like cuts or lacerations. These might need medical attention if they are serious.
  5. Step 5 Cover the burn with gauze or an adhesive bandage. 5 Cover the burn with gauze or an adhesive bandage. Cover the area loosely with a bandage. Remove the bandage and check the burn in 24 hours. If the surface of the skin has started to scab or form a crust, the burn will heal best if left uncovered and exposed to the air. Put a fresh bandage back on for another 24 hours if the skin is still red and raw and crusting has not started yet.[4]
    6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Healing the Burn

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  1. Step 1 Run cold water over it. 1 Run cold water over it. If the burn is hot and painful, try running some cool water over the injured area. Try running cool water over the carpet burn for five to 10 minutes every hour or two.
    • Do not apply ice or butter to a burn.[5]
  2. Step 2 Don't wear clothing over the burn. 2 Don't wear clothing over the burn. Fabrics can irritate the burn. If you have to wear clothes over the burn, cover it with gauze or a bandage first.[6]
  3. Step 3 Keep the area dry. 3 Keep the area dry. Try to keep the burn free from moisture. Moisture encourages bacteria to breed. Dry the skin with a cotton ball if it becomes wet.[7]
    • If the rug burn is oozing, don't wipe it away and further irritate the burn. Instead, remove the gauze or bandage and allow the wound to air dry.
    • If the burn is oozing pus or blood, see a doctor immediately.
  4. Step 4 Cover the carpet burn in aloe. 4 Cover the carpet burn in aloe. Apply some aloe onto the burn to help speed up the healing process. Aloe comes in many forms: spray, gel, liquid, lotion, and cream. You can also get aloe directly from the plant, which is the strongest form. Just cut off a small portion and squeeze the inside gel onto the burn.[8]
  5. Step 5 Try honey. 5 Try honey. Spread some honey over the carpet burn. This can provide relief from itching and help speed up healing.
  6. Step 6 Make a paste from marigold flowers and parsley leaves. 6 Make a paste from marigold flowers and parsley leaves. Crush some marigold flowers and parsley leaves and mix them together to make a paste. Spread the paste over the wound to help heal the burn.
  7. Step 7 Make a turmeric paste. 7 Make a turmeric paste. Turmeric has been proven to stimulate skin regeneration and clean wounds. Mixing 1/4 of a teaspoon (1 ml) of turmeric powder with one teaspoon (5 ml) of cocoa butter. Apply the paste to the area three times a day.[9]
  8. Step 8 Use essential oils. 8 Use essential oils. Different essential oils can help the healing process. Lavender is known to help healing with its regenerative and antiseptic properties. It can also help relieve the pain. Thyme also has regenerative and antiseptic properties.[10]
    • Apply two to three drops of essential oil to gauze and press it to the burn. Change the gauze two to three times a day.
    • You can also clean the wound with five or six drops of essential oil diluted in a cup of water.
  9. Step 9 Avoid lotions, oils, and powders. 9 Avoid lotions, oils, and powders. Some products can cause further harm to the carpet burn. You should avoid lotions, powders, oils, sunscreen, and alcohol on the carpet burn.[11]
  10. Step 10 Increase your vitamins. 10 Increase your vitamins. Increasing your vitamins can help boost your healing. Up your intake of vitamin C to boost your immune system and protect you from bacteria. Eat more citrus fruit, strawberries, broccoli, and tomatoes. Take a daily vitamin C supplement if your diet is lacking.[12]
    • Eat more foods high in vitamin E. These foods include milk, eggs, whole grains, spinach, and asparagus. Vitamin E is high in antioxidants, which helps the body heal.
  11. Step 11 Watch the burn for signs of infection. 11 Watch the burn for signs of infection. If you develop any signs of infection, or the wound doesn't heal, see your doctor. Signs include increased redness and tenderness, pus seeping from the wound, a red rash developing that spreads up from the wound, tenderness in the armpits or groin, or fever.[13]
    12. Advertisement

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question What is the best moisturizer for healed skin? Mohiba Tareen, MD Mohiba Tareen, MD FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. Mohiba Tareen, MD Mohiba Tareen, MD FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Answer Any moisturizer with Ceramide as its base is great at protecting healed skin. Ceramide is a protein that helps your skin retain moisture, which will help the healed skin stay safe. Shea butter is another good option, but keep in mind that it's nut-based and you cannot use it if you're allergic to nuts. Glycerin-based lotions are solid options as well. Plain old petroleum jelly can do a good job at protecting skin and keeping it moisturized. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3
  • Question Do you apply alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for a carpet burn? Mohiba Tareen, MD Mohiba Tareen, MD FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. Mohiba Tareen, MD Mohiba Tareen, MD FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Answer No! These harsh products will damage your skin further. Focus on soothing and healing your carpet burn. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
  • Question I have experienced a carpet burn on my knee. It is pinkish red and I can't bend my knee. What should I do? Chris M. Matsko, MD Chris M. Matsko, MD Family Medicine Physician Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017. Chris M. Matsko, MD Chris M. Matsko, MD Family Medicine Physician Expert Answer As the article states, you should wash it out and put a ointment and a bandage over the carpet burn. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 43
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Tips

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Warnings

  • You shouldn't treat a rug burn with ice, baby oil, butter, lotion, or powder. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0
  • Skin that is scabbing and healing from a carpet burn is often itchy. Avoid scratching it or picking at the scabs, which will delay the healing process and could cause infection. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
  • Pay close attention to the wound if you have diabetes, as this can decrease your immune and healing response. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
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References

  1. ↑ https://msktc.org/burn/factsheets/wound-care-after-burn-injury
  2. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/handling-injuries-from-small-cuts-to-serious-wounds
  3. ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/wounds
  4. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Treating-and-Preventing-Burns.aspx
  5. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/burns.html
  6. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/burns.html
  7. ↑ https://www.ucihealth.org/blog/2018/10/wound-care
  8. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170314135411.htm
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/essential-oils-101-do-they-work-how-do-you-use-them
  2. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/foods-to-help-healing
  4. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/eat-these-foods-to-boost-your-immune-system

About This Article

Mohiba Tareen, MD Co-authored by: Mohiba Tareen, MD FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. This article has been viewed 971,663 times. 11 votes - 71% Co-authors: 23 Updated: August 18, 2025 Views: 971,663 Categories: Burns and Scalds

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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Article SummaryX

If you have a carpet burn, help it heal faster by treating the area immediately. Cleanse the wound right away and apply an antibacterial cream to prevent infection. Run cool water over the carpet burn every hour or 2 to help soothe discomfort. Apply aloe to help speed healing and relieve pain, or try spreading honey over the carpet burn to relieve itching. Keep reading for tips from our Medical reviewer on how to clean and bandage your carpet burn. Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Mohiba Tareen, MD Co-authored by: Mohiba Tareen, MD FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist 11 votes - 71% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 23 Updated: August 18, 2025 Views: 971,663 Jannah Hagar

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"I got a burn on my face. It was red and crusted on the outside. It was a perfect triangle the size of a quarter. I..." more Rated this article: Kas Digavally

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May 17, 2016

"Advising people to treat carpet burns with neosporin rather than lotions was the part which most stood out for me...." more Candy Gamez

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"This helped so much. I recently sprained my knee, and I have been using crutches the past 2 days. I just found this..." more Lola Lake

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"I was using ice but the article said to use aloe, which I have on hand. This really helped me because I have a..." more Jose Torres

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