How to treat carpet burn

Many of us will know the feeling of catching your skin on the carpet, leaving you with an irritating carpet burn. Carpet burn - also known as friction burn or rug burn - is caused by sliding on an abrasive, carpeted surface and damaging your skin.

Carpet burns are a common injury for children playing on carpet, but they can easily crop up when exercising without a mat, too. Rug burns are typically fairly mild, but they can still be painful and frustrating.

There’s no need to let carpet burns ruin your day. Read on as we explain how to treat carpet burn with a few simple remedies. We’ll explore what to put on carpet burn to help soothe irritated skin, and how long carpet burn can take to heal.

Interested in getting burns out of your carpet? We’ve got a whole guide on the topic on our Ideas Hub.

In this guide:

What is a carpet burn?
How to prevent carpet burn
How to treat carpet burn
How long does carpet burn last?
Restore your carpets with Tapi

What is a carpet burn?

A carpet burn or rug burn is a type of friction burn that happens when you rub bare skin against a rough surface like carpet or a rug. It can cause the skin to become red and sore, and in some cases break, which can increase the risk of infection.

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How to prevent carpet burn

From scuffed elbows to carpet burns on knees, like most minor injuries, prevention is better than cure. Many carpet burns happen when people are in bare feet, so it’s best to start from the ground up:

Mind your footwear

If you wear shoes or slippers indoors, make sure they have good traction to prevent slips and falls that could lead to carpet burns. Socks are comfy, but they can be slippery on carpets, so consider wearing socks with extra grip, or slippers with non-slip soles.

Watch your step

Be careful when navigating unfamiliar or cluttered spaces. Take your time, especially when walking in dimly lit areas or areas with loose carpeting.

Use an exercise mat on carpet

Whether it’s yoga, Pilates, or playtime with your little ones, if you spend lots of time moving on the carpet, consider investing in protective gear. Knee pads, elbow pads, and exercise and play mats can help prevent uncomfortable carpet abrasions.

Maintain your carpet

Regularly inspect your carpets for loose fibres, uneven surfaces, and exposed nails. Address any issues promptly to minimise the risk of accidents, and make sure you keep it in tip-top Tapi condition with our carpet care guide. If you’re looking for tips on how to fix your carpet after a more serious scuff or tear, head to our guide on how repair a carpet for more useful advice.

How to treat carpet burn

Carpet burns can leave a sensitive rash and even break the skin. To help prevent infection and promote healing, it’s important to clean the wound and treat it promptly. Learn how by following our essential carpet burn treatment tips below:

1. Rinse with cool water

Soon after suffering from a carpet or rug burn, run cool (not cold) water over the affected area for several minutes. This helps to cool the skin and alleviate pain. Avoid using ice directly on the burn as this can further damage the skin.

2. Clean with mild soap

If the affected area looks dirty or is covered with debris, you can gently cleanse the carpet burn with a mild soap and water. Then, pat the area with a clean towel. It’s important to keep the wound dry.

3. Apply aloe vera or antiseptic cream

If the wound is superficial, rather than a deep friction burn, you can apply aloe vera gel or a gentle antiseptic cream to help soothe and sanitise the area. Aloe vera has soothing properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. If you have an aloe vera plant at home, simply break off a leaf and squeeze out the gel. Otherwise, shop-bought aloe vera gel works just as well.

4. Moisturise with petroleum jelly or Vaseline

After cleansing the burn, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to help protect and moisturise the area. This can help prevent scabbing and promote faster healing.

5. Cover with sterile, non-adhesive bandage dressings

If the wound is particularly sore, you can cover the burn with non-adhesive dressings or gauze pads to help protect it. Avoid using adhesive bandages directly on the wound, as they can stick to the skin and cause further irritation.

What to put on carpet burn

While some home remedies may recommend cupboard ingredients as a topical carpet burn treatment, it’s best to stick with safe, specialised products designed to encourage healing. Here are some affordable options available in most chemists or supermarkets:

Antiseptic cream – Look for an antiseptic cream containing ingredients like chlorhexidine. These creams help prevent infection and promote healing.

Burn gel dressings – Burn gel dressings provide cooling relief and help protect the burn from friction and contamination. They're easy to apply and can be left in place for extended periods.
Silicone gel sheets – Silicone gel sheets create a breathable barrier over the burn and help reduce the appearance of scars. They're comfortable to wear and can be cut to size for smaller burns.
Hydrogel dressings – Hydrogel dressings provide moisture to the burn while creating a protective barrier against bacteria. They're soothing and can help alleviate pain and discomfort.

How long does carpet burn last?

How long carpet burns take to heal can depend on the severity of the injury. Mild and superficial carpet burns may heal in up to three days, while deeper friction burns can take up to three weeks to heal.

If the carpet burn doesn’t show signs of improvement within a few days of home treatment, you might need to seek medical attention. Please go to a pharmacist or your local GP if you notice the following:

The burn is large, deep, or covers a sensitive area of the body
The burn shows signs of infection such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or pus
You develop a fever or experience persistent pain and discomfort

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Restore your carpets with Tapi

Carpet burns are usually easy to take care of. But no matter if it’s soft baby skin, rambunctious children, or a yoga session gone awry, it helps to know how to treat carpet burn when it strikes.

Old carpets with frayed edges, lumps, and scuffed patches can be a recipe for accidents. Think your home could benefit from a carpet refresh? Simply visit us in-store and chat with our expert floorologists about your plans.

For added ease, you can also book a free home visit, where our team will pop over with a mobile showroom packed full of samples for you to browse. We’ll help you measure up your space and explore your options, such as hardwearing carpet styles, or comparing carpet vs laminate. Finally, we’ll provide a free, no-obligation quote to turn your space into something you love. Explore our samples online to get started today.