How To Get Rid Of Scratch Marks On Your Skin

Scratch marks on the skin can be caused by a variety of things, such as an insect bite, allergic reaction, or a cut that has become infected. They can also result from other skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Scratch marks are most commonly caused by itching, especially in humid conditions or if your skin is irritated. Scratch marks on the skin are also known as keratosis papillary and appear as raised red or blue-purple patches that feel rough to the touch and itch when touched. They are harmless but unsightly, so here’s how to get rid of scratch marks on the skin.

How To Get Rid Of Scratch Marks On Your Skin?

Use a fading cream

Fading creams are a quick and easy way to get rid of scratch marks. Fading creams are specially formulated to minimize the appearance of scars and marks on your skin, including those pesky scratch marks. Fading creams use a combination of ingredients to help fade marks, including alpha-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, and vitamin E. These ingredients all work together to help fade marks, including scratch marks, more quickly than you might do at home. If you want to get rid of scratch marks on your face, fading creams are a great option. But if you have marks on your body, you’ll need a higher-strength formula. When choosing a fading cream, look for one that’s fragrance-free and has a light texture. Avoid creams with heavy oils and butter, as these can clog your pores. Fading creams are usually inexpensive and can be found at any drugstore.

Try a mild exfoliant

If you want to get rid of scratch marks quickly and effortlessly, try a mild exfoliant. Mild exfoliants are great at getting rid of all kinds of marks on your skin, including scratch marks. Plus, they’re also gentle enough that they won’t aggravate sensitive skin. Exfoliants work by scrubbing away dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, which allows the new, fresh skin cells underneath to shine through unhindered. This leaves your skin clear and smooth, and it can also help fade scratch marks more quickly than you might expect. Exfoliants come in liquid, cream, and powder form, so you can find one that’s right for your skin type and skincare needs. If you have sensitive skin, try a gentler option, like an exfoliating cleansing scrub.

Dab on some vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, which means it has the ability to neutralize free radicals and toxins in your body. These two facts actually make vitamin E a great at-home remedy for scratch marks. When you dab vitamin E on a scratch mark, you’re actually helping it heal faster. Vitamin E is also great at moisturizing your skin, which means scratch marks on your skin are less likely to become scaly and itchy as they heal. Vitamin E creams and ointments are readily available at most drugstores and online. It’s also surprisingly affordable, given its potency and versatility. Be sure to dab vitamin E on scratch marks when you first notice them. Waiting too long to treat them can cause the mark to go deeper into your skin and become harder to treat.

Mix up a batch of baking soda and vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are two household staples that are also great at getting rid of scratch marks on your skin. Scratch marks are caused by dry, scaly skin. When you have a dry, scaly skin, you’re more susceptible to itching and irritation, including when you apply makeup. Baking soda and vinegar can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy, which can help prevent scratch marks from forming in the first place. Baking soda and vinegar are easy to make and can be used as a face scrub or a facial wash. Be sure to use a low-suds formula, as you don’t want to irritate your skin further. Baking soda and vinegar are completely safe and easy to make at home.

Try an ointment with glycolic acid

Scratch marks can be stubborn, that’s for sure. If you’ve tried all of the above options and you’re still seeing scratch marks on your skin, there’s one last thing you can try: an ointment with glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant that’s used in some skincare products. It’s even stronger than a mild exfoliant, so it’s important to use it sparingly. Glycolic acid is great at removing dead skin cells from your skin and improving its overall appearance. It also has antibacterial properties that can help reduce redness from scratch marks. You can find glycolic acid ointments at most skincare stores. Just be sure to follow the directions carefully and use the ointment sparingly.

Treatments For Scratch Marks

Avoid scratching your skin Try to avoid scratching your skin as much as possible. If you have an itchy rash, itching can cause further damage to your skin, so try to avoid it at all costs.
Avoid areas that irritate your skin Try to avoid areas of your skin that are likely to be overly sensitive or irritable, such as the armpit and groin areas. – Wear loose clothing If your scratch marks are affecting one particular area of the skin, you can try wearing loose-fitting clothing such as looser pants or long skirts to hide the scratch marks.
Try an anti-itch cream If you find that you’re itching your scratch marks and causing further damage, try applying an anti-itch cream such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to soothe the irritation.
Try a soothing ointment You can also try applying a soothing ointment such as calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, oatmeal, and baking soda paste to your scratch marks to soothe the itching and irritation.
Try an anti-inflammatory medication You can also try taking an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen to relieve the itching and swelling.
Try a hydrocortisone cream You can also try applying a hydrocortisone cream to your scratch marks to reduce the swelling and irritation.
Try a topical antibiotic You can also try applying a topical antibiotic such as Polysporin or Bacitracin cream to your scratch marks to try and prevent infection.
See a dermatologist If your scratch marks don’t clear up within a few weeks, or if they start to look infected or are accompanied by swelling, redness, or pain, see a dermatologist rule out any skin conditions or infections. You can also ask your doctor about prescription-strength treatments.

Natural Remedies For Scratch Marks

Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal agent, making it one of the best treatments for scratch marks. It can be applied to the skin to reduce swelling and irritation, and even help clear up infections.
Banana peel Banana peels are rich in potassium, magnesium, and iron, making them a great way to soothe scratch marks. Simply rub the inside of the banana peel on the affected area, and then leave it on for around 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
Honey Honey is a natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal agent, making it one of the best treatments for scratch marks. Simply apply a generous amount of honey to the affected area, and leave it on for an hour before rinsing it off.
Coconut oil is loaded with antioxidants, making it one of the best natural remedies for scratch marks. Simply massage a generous amount of coconut oil into the affected area, and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off.

Foods That Help Get Rid Of Scratch Marks

Bananas are a rich source of potassium and magnesium, making them a great treatment for scratch marks. Simply mash a banana and apply it to the affected area and leave it on for around 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
Blueberries are a rich source of antioxidants that help fight infection, making them a great treatment for scratch marks. Simply mash some blueberries and apply them to the affected area and leave it on for around 20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Coconut is a rich source of lauric acid, a natural antibiotic that helps fight infection. You can drink coconut water or apply shredded coconut to the affected area.
Yogurt is loaded with probiotics, making it a great treatment for scratch marks. Simply apply a dollop of yogurt to the affected area and leave it on for around 10 minutes before rinsing it off.

Bottom line

Scratch marks are common, harmless skin conditions that are often caused by itching, allergies, eczema, or psoriasis. They can also be caused by dry skin, eczema, or skin damage. Scratch marks appear as raised red or blue-purple patches that feel rough to the touch and itch when touched. To get rid of scratch marks, try to avoid scratching your skin, wear loose-fitting clothing, apply ice to the area to numb the irritation, and apply an anti-itch cream or soothing ointment to the affected area. You can also try drinking coconut water, eating blueberries, and applying yogurt to the affected area.