Every time you cut or scratch yourself, a scab forms on your skin. Even if the temptation to scratch it off is strong, it is better not to do so in order not to hinder the proper healing of the wound and prevent a scar from remaining. To avoid scratching, keep your skin covered with gauze; Also, find ways to distract yourself and keep your nails elsewhere.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Avoid Scratching a Scab
Step 1. Cover it
Wrap it well with a bandage and wait for the skin to restore naturally. Scratching off a scab can hinder the healing process and cause a scar. By keeping the wound covered, you will be more likely to be able to resist the urge to scrape off the scab.
Step 2. Distract yourself
Find ways to keep both hands busy so they can't scratch the scab. Using them to do something else will make it easier to avoid damaging the healing scab. If you can find a fun enough distraction, you will even be able to forget about it for a while. Try for example:
- Cooked;
- Knit;
- Clean something;
- Go by bicycle;
- Climbing;
- Practice yoga.
Step 3. Remember not to scratch it
Find something to put on your hand that can act as a reminder, like a flashy piece of jewelry or a stamp glued to your skin. You can also color the nails of the hand you use to scratch with a bright or completely different nail polish, for example black. Hopefully, seeing the reminder you will realize that the hand is too close to the scab.
Step 4. Give yourself a reward for not scratching the scab
Make a deal with yourself: if you can manage not to scratch for a whole day, you can have something special. If a whole day seems like too much, you can decide to reward yourself after resisting for 6-8 hours.
Step 5. Make sure you are not suffering from dermatillomania
It is a psychological disorder that leads to compulsive scratching of the skin continuously. Since it can only be treated by a doctor, if you think you have it, seek help from a qualified therapist.
Part 2 of 3: Bandage the Wound
Step 1. Wash the wound with soap and water
It is important to bandage it properly to prevent the urge to scratch it. Cuts and scrapes are the order of the day and in most cases involve the formation of a scab during healing. Try washing the wound with a glycerin soap instead of an antibacterial one, it is more suitable as it allows you to moisturize and nourish the skin. Clean the crust with slow and delicate gestures to avoid the risk of detaching it, then pat it with a towel to absorb excess water.
Step 2. Apply antibiotic ointment
Ask your pharmacist for advice, there are many antibiotic creams and ointments for topical use. Their function is not to heal the wound faster, but to kill any type of germ that may have contaminated it. Once applied, the ointment may cause a slight sting, but it is important to hold on to promote the best possible wound healing.
Step 3. Cover the wound while the scab is there
You've probably been taught that it is best not to cover wounds, but recent studies have shown otherwise. Presumably, it will take at least 4-5 days for the scab to form and the wound to heal. Keep it covered for the entire period.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of the Scab
Step 1. Understand why it is not right to detach it
When you cut or scratch your skin, some blood cells called platelets begin to clump together to form a clot where you injured yourself. This coagulation process acts as a protective dressing that prevents the wound from continuing to bleed. Given its very important function, it is a must to let the crust form and take its course to allow the body to heal independently.
Step 2. Change the bandage every day
You have to replace it with a clean one every time it wets (this also means several times a day). Even if it doesn't get wet, set a time of day to swap it for a new one. Gently wash the scab, then cover it with a clean bandage.
Step 3. Examine the wound daily for signs of infection
If the scab appears soft, affected by purulent discharge, or if it looks like it has changed color, the part may be infected. Likewise, if the wound is swollen, red, or hot to the touch, there may be an infection. In each of these cases it is important to see a doctor.
Step 4. Wait some time
Sooner or later, the scab will peel off on its own revealing the new skin underneath. If everything goes well, it will come away on its own without your intervention. Generally, you will have to wait around 1-2 weeks. If the wound has not healed after 15 days, it is advisable to have it checked by a doctor.
