Scratching is normal and can happen to anyone. In fact, it happens to scratch oneself with nails, thorns or hitting against a sharp object. Most scratches aren't deep at all and heal on their own. To treat a tear, stop bleeding, disinfect the skin, apply an ointment, and cover the affected area with a patch.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Initial Treatment
Step 1. Apply good pressure to stop bleeding
Some scratches stop bleeding on their own, while others experience more profuse blood loss. To stop the bleeding, place a clean handkerchief, cotton ball, cloth, or piece of gauze on the affected area. Apply pressure to stop bleeding.
Step 2. Wash your hands before touching the scratch
While many scratches aren't particularly deep, they should never be touched with dirty hands. All open wounds, even the smallest scratches, can become infected due to the contaminants found on the hands. Always wash them with warm soapy water before touching the affected area.
Step 3. Clean the scratch
Wash the affected area with tap water to remove dirt and bacteria. You can also wash the surrounding area with a mild soap.
Avoid applying hydrogen peroxide or iodine to scratches. These products can irritate the wound
Step 4. Determine if you should go to the doctor
Most scrapes and scrapes can be treated at home without a doctor's supervision, but sometimes it is necessary. See a doctor if the bleeding does not stop or blood seeps from the patch.
- Go to the doctor if the scratch becomes infected. Infections are accompanied by several red flags, such as intense pain, swelling, redness in the area surrounding the scratch and a feeling of heat in the surrounding area. It is also possible that pus is leaking from the wound. Infections can also be accompanied by fever.
- If the wound is deep, punctured, or dirty, tetanus may be needed. If you haven't had any recall in the past five years, see your doctor to find out how to proceed.
Method 2 of 3: Taking Care of the Scratch
Step 1. Apply an ointment
Once the wound has been cleansed and has stopped bleeding, apply an antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracin or neomycin) or petroleum jelly. This product helps keep it moist, thus accelerating its healing. Apply a thin layer of ointment with clean fingers or a cotton swab.
Petroleum jelly also helps reduce the chances of scarring and relieve itching
Step 2. Put a band-aid on the wound
If the scratch is moderately deep, it is recommended to use a patch, which helps keep it clean and protects it from bacteria. It is not necessary for minor scratches.
The wound can be covered with a plaster or gauze
Step 3. Clean the scratch every day
Once a day remove the patch to wash the skin with cold water and soap. Afterward, put on a clean patch. You should also change it in case it gets dirty or wet. Once the scratch has been treated sufficiently and you no longer need to worry about possible bacterial overgrowth, you can leave it uncovered.
When a new layer of skin or scab forms on the scratch, it can be left uncovered because it is no longer predisposed to the possible risk of bacterial proliferation
Step 4. Determine if you should take a tetanus shot
If the scratch was caused by a rusty object, such as a nail, you risk exposure to tetanus. If you are concerned that this is the case, go to the doctor. If you have been on tetanus in the past five years, ask him to examine the wound to make sure there is no problem. If you haven't taken a tetanus shot in the past five years, ask him how to proceed.
Method 3 of 3: Treat Scratches the Natural Way
Step 1. Use honey
Honey has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It is effective for healing scratches and preventing them from becoming infected. Apply a thin layer to the affected area using a clean finger, flat wooden stick, or cotton swab.
Honey also helps keep the wound moist, promoting skin healing
Step 2. Try a chamomile wrap
Chamomile has therapeutic properties, especially antibiotic and antiseptic. Prepare a compress by dipping a clean cloth into the infusion, then placing it on the affected area. You can also put a chamomile tea bag directly on the scratch.
Step 3. Use aloe vera
This plant is used to treat burns, cuts and scrapes due to its therapeutic properties. You can try an ointment containing aloe vera. However, if you are looking for a completely natural remedy, take a leaf from the plant itself, cut it and massage the inside on the scratch.
Step 4. Try an essential oil
You can try different types of oils to treat scratches. Just mix a few drops of essential oil of your choice with a carrier oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil.
- Lavender has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, so it is effective for disinfecting the wound.
- Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial properties.
- Clove and rosemary oils also have antibacterial properties.
- Finally, you can use chamomile essential oil.
Step 5. Make a tea tree oil pack, an essential oil with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties
To treat the scratch, pour two drops of oil into a cup of warm water. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and massage it into the affected area.
