Rug burn -- which is caused when your skin rubs against abrasive surfaces -- can leave you with a painful, red and often itchy wound. Little children that are just starting to walk and frequently fall, often get rug burn. Not treating rug burn, or treating it incorrectly, can result in an infection of the wound. To eliminate rug burn, you have to treat it as a first-degree burn.
Clean the wound. Run cold water over the affected area for up to 15 minutes. Cold water reduces and prevents swelling that may occur when blood vessels start bleeding. Avoid icing the wound, because this may worsen the condition. Dry the wound with a soft, clean towel.
Apply a layer of antibiotic ointment to the wound to promote healing. Aloe vera gel, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, is another good product to apply -- if you don't have any antibiotic ointment.
Place a loose bandage or gauze over the wound to protect it. By covering the wound you protect it from other fabrics that may come into contact with it, and worsen the condition.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, if the pain is unbearable. Within three to six days your rug burn should be gone.