How to treat a scratch

Published: January 2022

Last Reviewed: August 2025

Scratches on the skin are a part of everyday life, and while they may seem minor, even small scratches deserve proper care to prevent infection and support quick, healthy healing.

In this guide, we'll explain what a scratch is, how it differs from a cut and the best way to treat and protect your skin using trusted solutions.

Scratches on the skin are a common type of minor injury caused by sharp objects or surfaces scraping the skin. Whether it’s brushing past a thorn bush, catching your hand on a rough surface, or your pet getting a little too playful, scratches can happen unexpectedly.

Although both are classified as minor wounds, the key difference between a cut and a scratch lies in their depth and cause. A scratch is typically a shallow abrasion where the top layer of skin is scraped off. It may sting and show visible scratch marks on the skin, but it usually involves minimal bleeding and should scab over quickly.

A cut, on the other hand, is often deeper and may result from a sharp object, such as a knife or broken glass. Cuts can bleed more heavily and may require stitches if deep enough. While both need proper wound care, scratches are generally quicker and easier to treat.

Even small scratches on the skin should not be ignored. Proper care can prevent infection, reduce irritation, and minimise long-term scratch marks on the skin.

The first step in caring for scratches on the skin is cleaning the area. Use Elastoplast Wound Spray to gently cleanse the scratch. This antiseptic spray helps remove dirt and bacteria without stinging, which is especially helpful for children or sensitive skin. Pat the area dry with a clean cloth or gauze.

After cleaning, it’s important to protect the scratch while it heals. Elastoplast Second Skin Plasters are ideal for this. These ultra-thin, breathable hydrocolloid plasters act like a second layer of skin, shielding the wound from bacteria and dirt while maintaining optimal moisture levels for faster healing. They also help reduce the risk of scarring.

If a scratch on the skin becomes red, swollen, warm to the touch, or starts producing pus, it may be infected. How to treat an infected scratch begins with removing any covering and re-cleaning the area thoroughly with Elastoplast Wound Spray.

Re-cover the scratch with a clean plaster, like an Elastoplast Second Skin Plaster, to continue protecting it.

You should seek medical attention for a scratch if it is unusually deep, continues to bleed after applying gentle pressure, or shows signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or increasing pain.

Scratches caused by animals or dirty objects may carry a higher risk of infection, so it’s important to see a doctor in those cases, especially if the scratch was from a cat, which can transmit bacteria. You should also get medical help if the scratch doesn’t start to heal after a few days, or if it was caused by a rusty object, which could cause tetanus. When in doubt, it’s better to have it checked to avoid complications.

Cat scratches on the skin can be more than just uncomfortable, as they can carry bacteria that lead to infection. Cat scratch disease (CSD) or Cat Scratch Fever can be transmitted by infected cats through scratches or bites. Symptoms of cat scratch disease can vary, but some of the more common symptoms include:

• A low-grade fever
• Aches
• Decreased appetite
• Swollen lymph nodes on the side of the body

The illness is usually harmless and generally subsides on its own, without the need for treatment, but in very rare cases more serious complications can arise and you may require antibiotics.

In most cases, minor scratches on the skin heal within 3 to 7 days, depending on their depth, location, and how well they are cared for. Using proper wound care products can help speed up the healing process and reduce scarring.

To support faster healing and help reduce the risk of scarring, consider applying Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment once the scratch has been cleaned. This gentle, non-sticky ointment creates a breathable, protective barrier that keeps the wound moisturised, an ideal environment for natural healing. Suitable for all skin types, it can be used on both minor scratches and abrasions, helping your skin repair itself efficiently while soothing irritation.