How to Naturally Treat Scratches

Scratches typically occur when skin rubs against other skin, clothing, or various materials, leading to irritation. The most common areas for scratches are the inner thighs, groin, armpits, lower abdomen, and nipples. If left untreated, these scratches can become more inflamed, and in rare cases, may even become infected. Those most at risk for scratches include athletes, who often wear clothing that rubs against the skin for prolonged periods, and overweight individuals, as skin folds on the body can rub together. There are several simple natural remedies for treating scratches, some of which are backed by scientific research, while others are based on anecdotal evidence. You can also prevent scratches with a few key lifestyle changes.

Clean the scratched area. Keep the scratched area clean by gently washing with a mild, fragrance-free soap and rinsing thoroughly. It's best to use a plant-based soap. Options like Pears, Puracy, and Burt’s Bees are suitable choices.

Ensure that your skin stays dry. After a shower, make sure to thoroughly dry any areas of your skin that are scraped or prone to scraping. Use a clean cotton towel to pat your skin dry without rubbing it, as this can cause irritation.

• You can also use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to dry scraped skin. Avoid using high heat, as this can dry out the skin too much and worsen irritation.

Moisturize the scraped skin. Apply a natural lubricant to keep the area hydrated. You might consider using lubricants like almond oil, castor oil, sheep lanolin, chamomile oil, or A&D ointment. Since A&D ointment often contains fragrance, if your skin is sensitive to scents, choose a different lubricant.

• Apply the oil to clean, dry skin at least twice a day. You may need to apply it more often if the scraped skin rubs against clothing or other areas of the body.
• Placing a clean gauze over the scraped area after applying the lubricant can be beneficial. The gauze will protect the skin from contact with other areas or clothing while allowing it to remain breathable.

Apply aloe vera to the scraped skin. Aloe vera, commonly known as a home remedy for burns, is also a natural treatment for soothing scraped skin due to its healing properties. Aloe vera contains nutrients that can repair skin damage, reduce irritation, and relieve itching.

• The gel inside the aloe vera plant can immediately soothe itching and redness when applied to the skin. You can grow an aloe vera plant at home and break off a small branch whenever you need to treat a problem area.
• You can also purchase pure aloe vera gel from a pharmacy. Be sure to select 100% pure aloe vera gel.

Soak in an oatmeal bath. Dry and scraped skin often results from constant friction against other surfaces. Over time, this friction can cause skin to peel or even bleed. Oatmeal has many healing properties, providing moisture, cleansing, and acting as an anti-inflammatory, soothing agent. Soaking in an oatmeal bath is a relaxing and effective home treatment for scraped skin.

• To prepare an oatmeal bath, fill a bathtub with warm water and add 1-2 cups (100 g - 200 g) of finely ground oats. Let the oatmeal sit for a few minutes before getting in and soak for about 20-25 minutes. Allow the oatmeal to adhere to the skin and soothe the scrapes. You can do this once a day.
• Avoid scrubbing or rubbing your skin. Instead, apply the oatmeal mixture directly to severely scraped areas to increase its effectiveness.
• Rinse off with warm water to remove the oatmeal-infused bathwater. Pat the skin dry with a towel.

Apply olive oil to the scraped skin. Olive oil is highly effective in treating scraped skin as it is a powerful moisturizer. You can apply olive oil directly to the affected area, ideally after a shower.

• A simple paste made with olive oil and oatmeal can also serve as a natural and effective remedy for scrapes. Mix the two ingredients together and apply generously to the scraped skin. Leave it on for about 20-30 minutes each day. This mixture helps soothe the skin while restoring necessary moisture to promote healing.
• Thanks to its long-lasting moisturizing properties, olive oil is also great for overall skin care, whether or not the skin is scraped.

Try using vitamin E oil. When applied to the skin, vitamin E oil helps to immediately reduce itching and inflammation. You may want to try lotions and creams that contain vitamin E, which are known for their healing properties.

• After applying vitamin E oil or cream, you can place a gauze pad on top to retain moisture. The gauze will help keep the oil or cream on the skin longer. However, remember to change the gauze every 6 hours to allow the skin to breathe.

Try using chamomile. Chamomile is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and itching. This herb also has healing and antibacterial properties. You can use chamomile in the form of lotion, oil, or flowers. Here are some ways to use it:

• Fill a large bowl with water, add a few chamomile flowers, and bring it to a boil for a few minutes. Let the water cool, then add a few ice cubes. Soak the scraped skin in the cool water for 10-15 minutes.
• Chamomile is also available in lotion form. Simply apply the lotion generously to the scraped area and let it absorb into the skin.
• You can also add chamomile oil or tea to a cool bath. A few drops of chamomile oil or several chamomile tea bags can turn your bath water into a soothing and relaxing remedy.

Try using purple coneflower in the form of tincture, capsules, or tea. This herb is commonly used topically as an anti-inflammatory ointment and wound healer due to its antibiotic, antiviral, and mild antifungal properties. Purple coneflower can be consumed in the form of tincture, pills, or tea to prevent infection in scraped areas.

• The taste of purple coneflower tea can be a bit strong, so it is often consumed as capsules or tinctures. However, tea and tinctures are typically more effective than capsules.
• In addition to boosting the immune system, purple coneflower is recommended for people who experience recurring skin damage, such as boils. This herb can also be used as a tonic to support liver function, helping to reduce the harmful environmental effects.

Add thyme oil to your tea. Thyme contains thymol, an antibacterial compound classified as both an antibiotic and antifungal. Due to its ability to fight both bacteria and viruses, thyme can help treat scrapes caused by these agents, or when the scrape begins to irritate from scratching. You can drink thyme oil-infused tea to fight infection in the scraped area.

• Thyme essential oil can protect wounds and ulcers from infection. This effect is mainly due to compounds like Caryophyllene and Camphene found in thyme, which inhibit the growth of bacteria both internally and externally.

Try using neem oil. The organic sulfur compounds in neem leaves are very effective in treating skin conditions. Neem oil has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, and it has even been studied for its use in treating burns in children. Here’s how to treat a scrape using neem oil:

• Grind a handful of neem leaves thoroughly.
• Add the juice of half a medium-sized lemon to the ground neem leaves.
• Mix the ingredients into a paste and apply it to the skin.

Try using chamomile, almond, thyme, or lavender oils. Add 1-2 drops of any of these oils to 4 tablespoons (60 ml) of lubricant oil. If you're using ointment or balm as a lubricant, you can mix the essential oils directly into the balm or ointment. Use these herbal mixtures throughout the day (about 3-4 times), ensuring that the affected skin area is always treated. Be sure to test this mixture on a healthy area of skin first to make sure there's no reaction and your body isn't allergic to any of the herbs in the mixture. Some herbal mixtures may cause a slight sting when first applied to the skin.

• Chamomile oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. This herb can heal skin irritation quickly.
• Almond oil helps to moisturize the skin and prevent scarring. You can massage almond oil into the damaged area to soothe the skin. Rich in vitamin E, almond oil is an antioxidant. The omega-3 fatty acids in almond oil are believed to help improve skin tone. Gently massage the oil into your skin for a few minutes and let it absorb.
• Lavender oil also soothes the skin. It helps reduce swelling and itching in the damaged area.
• Thyme oil, derived from the plant Achillea millefolium, has healing properties. According to legend, Achilles, an ancient Greek warrior, used thyme to treat his soldiers' wounds. Today we know that thyme has anti-inflammatory properties and can help heal wounds.

Mix turmeric powder and apply to the skin. Ar-turmerone, a compound found in turmeric, is known to aid in treating skin conditions. Its presence gives turmeric antifungal properties and helps heal scratches. Here's how to use turmeric:

• Mix 3 teaspoons (10 g) of turmeric powder with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of water to create a paste.
• Apply the paste to the affected area and cover it with cotton cloth.
• Leave it for 30 minutes before rinsing off with water.

Apply garlic. Garlic's antibacterial and antiseptic properties help clean and heal the skin. Allicin, a primary compound in garlic, helps keep the skin dry, thus reducing swelling and redness in the affected area.

• Crush 10 garlic cloves into a smooth paste. Use a cotton ball to apply the paste to the affected skin. For faster healing, apply this remedy 3 times a day.

Use lemon mint. This herb is used to cleanse scratched skin to reduce burning sensations. To prepare this solution, add lemon mint to hot water and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Allow it to cool before using a clean cloth to wash the affected area.

Consider using tea tree oil, coconut oil, or sandalwood oil. Apart from the oils mentioned earlier, these three oils can also be effective in healing scraped skin:

• The terpinen-4-ol in tea tree oil is believed to have antiseptic properties, which help kill harmful microorganisms and treat skin infections. Place a few drops of the oil onto a wet cotton ball and gently press it onto the scraped skin. Repeat this process twice daily until the condition improves.
• Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help fight fungi and treat yeast infections, thus aiding in the relief of irritation and redness. Apply coconut oil to the affected area before bedtime to soothe the skin and address irritation. Alternatively, you can apply it in the morning.
• Sandalwood has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. The main ingredient, santalol, is known for its ability to soothe the skin and treat inflammation, which also helps to alleviate itching. You can apply the oil to the affected area 2-3 times a day.

Try using ointment made from the starflower plant. The starflower plant is believed to have healing properties when applied to the skin. This small, soothing herb can be added to herbal ointments to help heal scratches and mild skin irritations.

• Leave the ointment on the skin for up to 30 minutes. To enhance the treatment, use rose water to cleanse the skin and lock in moisture, then gently pat the skin dry.

Wear loose clothing. Tight clothes can cause skin to scratch. For comfort, avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes. Allow your skin to breathe by choosing loose, comfortable clothing to minimize friction and rubbing. Comfort should be prioritized over fashion. Scratched skin may restrict your movement due to swelling and inflammation, making careful clothing choices essential.

• Avoid wearing tight belts, undergarments, and clothes made from non-breathable materials that lead to sweating. Such clothing will suffocate your skin and may worsen the risk of severe scratching.

Wear fabrics that are suitable for the skin. You should opt for cotton fabric whenever possible. While fashionable clothing can be attractive, consider whether the fabric is gentle on your skin. For women, cotton dresses are generally the most appropriate. For men, loose shorts and shirts are good choices. Cotton is breathable and helps the skin stay cool. Regardless of the area of skin that's scraped, you should always aim to keep your skin as breathable as possible.

• When exercising, some people prefer synthetic materials that absorb moisture. These fabrics help reduce sweat and dry faster than natural materials.
• Overall, always choose fabrics that feel comfortable against your skin. Avoid materials such as leather or rough wool that can cause scratches or trap moisture.

Keep your skin dry but moisturized. For healthy skin, it is crucial to maintain a balance between dryness and moisture. Both excessively wet and dry skin can lead to abrasions, as these conditions are common triggers for itching. It’s important to hydrate your skin, but without over-moisturizing.

• If you have dry skin, use a moisturizer or lotion to replenish moisture. For oily skin, opt for a mild body wash, gently pat your skin dry, and allow it to breathe.
• Sweating can worsen abrasions, as the mineral content in sweat can further irritate. After sweating, shower and dry your skin thoroughly.
• Baby powder can be used to help dry the skin.

Consider losing weight if necessary. Being overweight increases the likelihood of skin abrasions, particularly on the thighs. Obesity can lead to abrasions, so it's best to exercise and manage your diet as preventive measures. The most effective way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you consume. Consult your doctor to find a weight-loss plan that works for you. There’s no universal weight-loss program; you need a routine that you can maintain, stay motivated, and enjoy.

• Follow a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits, complex carbohydrates (like whole-wheat pasta, bread, and rice), and proteins.
• Incorporate exercise into your weight-loss plan instead of just cutting calories. Healthy adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. You can reduce this time if you exercise at a higher intensity. Additionally, include strength training exercises at least twice a week.

Adjust your diet. Try incorporating foods rich in vitamins A, C, zinc, and beta-carotene into your meals. Vitamin A and beta-carotene contain antioxidants that help protect the body, especially the skin, while vitamin C supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin.

• Yellow and orange vegetables and fruits are typically high in vitamin A and beta-carotene. Spinach, animal fats, and egg yolks are also good sources of vitamin A.
• Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are excellent sources of vitamin C.
• Avoid fatty foods and processed or pre-packaged foods, as this can help you lose weight and reduce skin folds that can cause abrasions.

Cornstarch was once recommended for treating abrasions. However, it can provide nourishment for bacteria and fungi, potentially leading to skin infections.