How to Heal Scratches

Scratches can happen at any time. You may get scratched by your fingernails, thorns, or by coming into contact with a sharp object. Most scratches are superficial and will heal on their own. To treat a scratch, stop the bleeding, clean the wound, and apply a bandage to protect it.

Press down on the wound to stop the bleeding. While some scratches may stop bleeding on their own, others may bleed more profusely. To help the bleeding stop, place a tissue, cotton ball, clean cloth, or a piece of gauze on the wound and apply pressure to control the bleeding.

Wash your hands before touching a scrape. Even though many scrapes may not be deep, never touch the wound with dirty hands. Any open wound - even a small scratch - can get infected if contaminated. Always wash your hands with soap and warm water before touching the scrape.

Clean the scrape. Hold the wound under running water. This step helps remove any dirt, bacteria, or debris from the injury. You can also gently wash around the scrape with a mild soap.

• Avoid using hydrogen peroxide to clean the wound as it may cause irritation.

Determine if you need to see a doctor. Most scrapes and abrasions can be treated at home without professional care. However, some wounds require medical attention. If the bleeding doesn’t stop or soaks through the bandage, you may need to consult a doctor.

• If the scrape becomes infected, you should see a doctor. Signs of infection include increased pain, swelling, redness around the wound, and a warm sensation in the surrounding area. Check if there is pus coming from the scratch. You may also develop a fever if infected.
• If the wound is deep, punctured, or contaminated, you may need a tetanus shot. If you haven’t had a tetanus booster in the last 5 years, visit your doctor to get vaccinated.

Apply ointment. Once the wound is cleaned and the bleeding has stopped, apply an antibiotic ointment, such as Bacitracin or Neosporin, or petroleum jelly (like Vaseline). This step helps keep the wound moist, promoting faster healing. Use a clean finger or cotton swab to apply a thin layer of ointment to the scrape.

• Petroleum jelly can also reduce the risk of scarring. If the scratch is itchy, petroleum jelly can help soothe the itching.

Cover the wound with medical bandage. For deeper or medium cuts, it's probably a good idea to cover the wound. This step can help keep the wound clean and prevent bacteria from entering. If it's just a minor scratch, you don't need to bandage it.

• You can use a personal bandage or gauze to cover the wound.

Clean the scratch daily. Once a day, remove the bandage and wash the wound with soap and cool water. Rebandage with a clean dressing after washing. You should also change the bandage if it becomes dirty or wet. Once the scratch has healed enough to not be at risk of infection, you no longer need to cover it.

• If the scratch has started to heal or scab over, you can leave it uncovered, as the risk of infection has passed.

Determine if you need a tetanus shot. If the scratch is caused by a rusty object, such as a rusty nail, you may be at risk for tetanus infection. If you think you're at risk, consult a doctor. If you've had a tetanus shot recently, you can just check the wound to ensure it's healing properly. If you haven't received a tetanus shot in the past 5 years, talk to your doctor about getting one.

Apply honey. Honey has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It can help heal the scratch and prevent infection. Use a clean finger or cotton swab to apply a thin layer of honey to the scratch.

• Honey also helps moisturize the wound, which aids in healing the damaged skin.

Apply chamomile tea compress. Chamomile is known for its healing properties, with antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. Soak a clean piece of cloth in chamomile tea and place it on the wound. Alternatively, you can directly apply a chamomile tea bag to the scratch.

Use aloe vera. Aloe vera is commonly used to treat burns, cuts, and scratches due to its healing properties. You can try using aloe vera ointment, but for a natural remedy, cut a leaf of the aloe vera plant, slice it open, and rub the gel inside directly on the wound.

Try essential oils. You can experiment with various essential oils to heal scratches. Simply mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil like olive or almond oil.

• Lavender has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help disinfect the wound.
• Eucalyptus oil also has antimicrobial effects.
• Clove and rosemary oils possess antibacterial properties as well.
• Chamomile essential oil can also be used as a healing oil.

Apply tea tree oil compress to the scratch. Tea tree oil is a potent essential oil known for its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Add two drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water, soak a cotton ball in the mixture, and apply it gently to the scratch.

• Since tea tree oil is very strong, be sure to dilute it with water before applying it to the wound.