Ava Monroe
Scratches are usually small, superficial, and irregular wounds caused when objects like thorns or fingernails scrape along the skin. While scratches on the body may be less of a concern than those on the face, they can still be annoying and uncomfortable. To treat and heal scratches properly, it's important to take certain steps to reduce the risk of infection and scarring. Here are some ways to address and heal scratch marks effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to seek medical attention | If the scratches don't stop bleeding after applying pressure for 10 minutes, or become infected |
| Preventing infection | Wash the area with soap and water to remove any germs or bacteria. Do not use hydrogen peroxide as it can be too harsh |
| Stopping bleeding | Apply pressure on the scratches |
| Healing | Apply a healing balm containing ingredients like vitamin E, aloe vera, or shea butter to help repair the skin. You can also use a thin layer of wound healing ointment to promote faster healing and reduce the risk of scarring |
| Preventing scarring | Keep the scratches moist with petroleum jelly to promote healing. After the wound closes, apply vitamin E over the area to help speed up healing. Avoid picking at any scabs that form as they are your body's natural healing process |
| Reducing swelling | Press an ice pack to the affected area every 1 to 2 hours |
| Protecting healed scratches | Use SPF 30 sunscreen on scratches once they are healed to keep them protected from sun damage |
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What You'll Learn
Wash the scratched area with soap and water
To remove nail scratch marks from your body, one of the first steps is to wash the scratched area with soap and water. This is important to do as soon as you get scratched, as it helps prevent infection and promotes healing.
First, you should wash your hands with soap and water to ensure that you do not transfer any germs or bacteria to the scratch when you touch it. Use soap and warm water to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, then rinse and dry them with a clean towel.
Next, lean over a sink and gently splash cool water onto the scratched area. Take a mild soap and carefully rub it over the scratches, being careful not to aggravate them or cause them to bleed again. Rinse the scratches for about two minutes.
Once you have washed the scratches, gently dry the surrounding skin and cover the scratch with a plaster, sterile wound dressing, or compress to keep out dirt and bacteria and enable undisturbed healing.
If your scratches are on your face, you may want to use a gentle cleanser and then apply a healing balm containing ingredients like vitamin E, aloe vera, or shea butter to help repair the skin.
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Apply an antiseptic cream
When treating nail scratch marks on the body, applying an antiseptic cream can help prevent infection and promote healing. Antiseptics are antimicrobial agents that can kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They are particularly useful in preventing infection in mild to moderate wounds.
It is important to note that antiseptic creams should only be used when necessary or when there is a legitimate risk of infection. For milder wounds, soap and water may be sufficient for disinfection. If you do use an antiseptic, choose a safe and mild option, as some antiseptics can be harmful to healthy cells and may slow down the healing process. Avoid using antiseptics like iodine or hydrogen peroxide, as they can be harsh on the skin and delay healing. Instead, opt for antiseptics with low toxicity, such as iodine combined with povidone (e.g., Betadine).
When applying an antiseptic cream to scratch marks, use a clean cotton pad or wound gauze to gently clean the area surrounding the wound. Avoid applying the antiseptic directly to the wound unless instructed by a doctor. After applying the antiseptic, you can use ointments or creams to seal and protect the wound further. Antibiotic creams like Neosporin provide extra antibacterial action, while petroleum jelly-based products like Vaseline can also help protect the wound.
Once the antiseptic cream has been applied, it is important to keep the scratch marks moist to promote faster healing and prevent scarring. A thin layer of petroleum jelly can be applied each time you change your bandages. Keeping the wound moist will help your body heal faster and reduce the likelihood of scarring. Additionally, covering the wound with a bandage will help keep it clean and protected from external germs.
Remember, deeper or more serious wounds may require medical attention. If your scratches become infected or show signs of swelling, avoid using a bandage so that the wound can breathe, and seek medical advice if needed.
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Cover the scratch with a plaster or bandage
Covering a scratch with a plaster or bandage is an effective way to protect it from dirt and bacteria and enable undisturbed healing. It is important to keep the wound clean and dry, so make sure to gently dry the surrounding skin before applying a plaster or bandage. This will help to prevent infection and speed up the healing process.
It is also beneficial to use a thin layer of wound healing ointment, such as the Hansaplast Wound Healing Ointment, which can be applied once or twice per day. This will create a moist healing environment, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of scarring. Keeping the skin moist will also help your body heal faster and prevent scarring. A pea-sized amount of petroleum jelly can be used for this purpose, applied each time you change your bandage or plaster.
If your scratch is in a place that is hard to keep covered, such as your face, a plaster or bandage can be particularly helpful. It will not only keep the scratch clean and protected but also remind you to be gentle with the area and avoid picking at it. This is important because picking at scabs can create larger, thicker scars.
Remember to keep your plaster or bandage dry and change it if it gets wet or dirty. Gently remove the plaster or bandage when necessary, such as when you need to wash your face, and always put a clean one back on afterward.
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Apply vitamin E to the area
Vitamin E is a nutrient that your body needs to support your immune system and help your cells regenerate. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are essential to your everyday health. It is commonly used to improve skin health and appearance.
Vitamin E can be applied topically to the scratched area to reduce inflammation and aid the healing process. It can also be used as an overnight anti-aging treatment, as it can help to reduce wrinkles and soften the skin. Its thick consistency means it is best applied before bed so that it can be fully absorbed.
You can apply a serum or oil containing vitamin E as an all-over treatment. If you are using pure vitamin E oil, mix one or two drops with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, almond oil, or coconut oil. Use your fingers to rub the mixture into the affected area in small circular motions, stimulating circulation and spreading the product.
Wait at least 20 minutes after application before resting your face on a pillow or any other surface. This treatment can be repeated once or twice a week as part of a skincare routine, preferably 30 minutes before bedtime.
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Use SPF 30 sunscreen on healed scratches
Sun exposure on a healing wound can lead to significant post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, resulting in deeper, more noticeable scars. Therefore, it is important to protect healed scratches from the sun.
Once your scratches have healed, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to control scarring. SPF 30 or higher sunscreen will help reduce red or brown discolouration and help the scar fade faster. Sunscreen should be reapplied frequently (every 2 hours during direct sun exposure). Mineral sunscreens (with zinc oxide or titanium oxide) provide the greatest protection.
Physical coverage of the scratch with a bandage will also help prevent sun exposure. If you are going outside, it is important to keep the scratch covered or apply sunscreen to prevent sun damage, which can cause deeper, more noticeable scars, especially on freshly healed wounds.
It is important to note that sunscreen should not be applied to wounds that have not completely healed.
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Frequently asked questions
Wash the scratches with soap and water to prevent infection. Apply a healing balm containing vitamin E, aloe vera, or shea butter to help repair the skin.
Keep the skin moist to promote healing and prevent scarring. Apply a thin layer of wound healing ointment to your scratches once or twice a day to reduce the risk of scarring.
Keep the scratches covered with a plaster or bandage to prevent dirt and bacteria from entering the wound and to enable undisturbed healing.
Face scratches require special attention due to the thin and sensitive skin. Cleanse the scratch with a wound cleansing spray and apply a healing ointment to provide a moist healing environment. Protect healed scratches from the sun by using SPF 30 sunscreen.
