Mitigating Risk in Abrasion Play
Abrasion play is a form of sensation play that involves stimulating the skin through rough contact such as rubbing, scraping, scratching, or dragging textured materials across the body. This can include objects like rough fabrics, sandpaper, brushes, or even the natural texture of a rope.
Common risks of abrasion play:
Skin damage, including cuts, scrapes, broken skin, and risk of infection
Long-term scarring or hyperpigmentation
Cross-contamination from reused or dirty tools
Key requirements for abrasion play:
First aid kit
Clean, sanitised tools (e.g., brushes, ropes, abrasive materials)
Non-latex white gloves, if there's a possibility of broken skin
Lotion, aloe, or burn gel
Things to Consider During Abrasion Play:
Test any materials on a small area of skin before covering a large area
Test all materials on yourself first (or a consenting partner’s forearm) before introducing them into an actual scene. This can help mitigate the risk of an unexpected allergic reaction while also helping the Top to calibrate intensity with degrees of pressure, speed, and duration.
Avoid abrasion on irritated skin or fresh tattoos
Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others. Inner thighs, stomach, underarms, and areas near joints or thin skin may react more intensely or even tear. Avoid skin with active rashes, eczema, psoriasis, or fresh tattoos.
Use sterilised equipment to prevent infection
Anything that might scratch, puncture, or abrade should be free of dirt, bacteria, and any leftover residue from previous play. Never reuse tools on multiple people without thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing between each scene. Cross-contamination is a real risk.
Begin with lighter textures and slowly increase pressure or intensity
Start slow. Tops should check in during the scene. This kind of play benefits from patience and careful pacing. The bottom might be high on endorphins and not realize how irritated their skin has become. Redness, swelling, or welts may be fine within negotiated limits—but broken skin, bleeding, or sudden sharp pain should trigger a pause or stop.
Take proper care of your skin after a scene
Clean abrasions gently with warm water and mild soap. Apply antibiotic ointment to open skin if needed, and follow up with lotion or aloe to reduce irritation. Avoid scrubbing in the shower for a few days.
These considerations are not designed to be advice on how to play safely - they are things to think about prior to engaging in dangerous forms of play.
No matter the precautions you take in this kind of activity, you cannot guarantee the safety of those involved.
