Caring for scratches
Scratches are mild forms of cuts.1 These are slight injuries that happen when a sharp object, like a fingernail or thorn, scrapes along the skin. Scratches can also be caused by cats or other animals.
Scratches are mild forms of cuts.1 These are slight injuries that happen when a sharp object, like a fingernail or thorn, scrapes along the skin. Scratches can also be caused by cats or other animals.
Pat the area dry with a clean towel.2
“If the wound is bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean gauze bandage or cloth and elevate until the bleeding stops.” 2
Apply a sterile adhesive dressing. 2
The dressing can be changed daily if necessary or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.
Keep the wound dry by using waterproof dressings, which will allow you to take showers. 2
Please consult a healthcare professional to consider a tetanus booster. 3
Most scratches are minor and can be dealt with at home. However, seek medical attention from a healthcare professional, if:
Please contact your healthcare practitioner if you experience any of the above.
Many common wounds can be dealt with at home. But when should a doctor be consulted? Scroll down for more information!
1 https://www.thehealthsuccesssite.com/abrasions-cuts-and-scratches.html
2 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cuts-and-grazes/
3 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tetanus/
4 International Wound Infection Institute (IWII) Wound infection in clinical practice. Wounds International 2016