Cuts and Scratches Health Article

Definition

Cuts are wounds that break through the skin, and sometimes reach the underlying tissue. Scratches are usually superficial wounds where the skin is scraped by a sharp object.

Description

The skin is a barrier between the environment and the rest of the body. Usually it offers protection from the invasion of infective organisms. If the skin is broken by cutting or scratching, there is an increased possibility of infection, along with pain and blood loss. Most cuts and scratches are relatively minor and respond well to home remedies. Deep cuts may require medical help and repairing the skin with stitches to heal properly.

Causes & symptoms

A cut or scratch is often due to an accidental injury or intentional violence. Age-related changes may be a contributing factor, because the skin becomes more thin and fragile with age, and thus, more susceptible to cuts and scratches. Infection is a primary concern in dealing with cuts and scratches. Signs of infection include redness, pain or tenderness, local swelling, warmth, a discharge from the wound site, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and red streaks spreading out from the wound site.

Diagnosis

Minor cuts and scratches do not usually require diagnosis. However, if an infection sets in, the wound may need to be assessed by a healthcare provider taking a history of the injury and performing a physical exam.

Treatment

Homeopathic topical preparations can be useful in treating cuts and scratches. Calendulaand Hypericum perforatum are herbs that can be applied topically as a cream, gel, or ointment. Hypericum 30c can be taken internally, as well. It is particularly indicated if the cut is very painful. Staphysagria 30c is indicated for deep cuts and stab wounds. Aconite 30c may be given every 30 minutes for up to three to five doses if a person is very anxious as well as injured.

Ayurvedic medicine recommends several simple applications for minor cuts and scratches. These include fresh aloe vera gel, plain ghee, and coconut oil. Licorice (Glycirrhiza glabra) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) can

be added to any of these to make a paste that will help the skin heal.

Western herbal remedies that promote the healing of cuts and scratches include a strong tea made from Calendula officinale flowers, which can be used as a soak or a wash for wounds; distilled witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) which may also stop bleeding; goldenseal (Hydrastis canadesis) powder or salve, a specific for skin healing; a poultice of crushed plantain leaves (Plantago spp.); and comfrey root salve (Symphytum officinale). Raw honey can also be directly applied to help disinfect superficial wounds and to promote healing. Echinacea spp. tincture can also be used as a disinfectant or antimicrobial to the affected site. The alcohol in the tincture may cause the wound to sting. Topical applications should not be used on a deep wound until some initial healing has occurred.

According to aromatherapy, a spray of diluted essential oils can be used as an antiseptic. They may also repair skin damage and encourage new cell growth. Tea tree, lavender, myrrh, benzoin, bergamot, chamomile, tea tree, eucalyptus, juniper, rosemary, helichrysum, eucalyptus, rose geranium, and sandalwood are all appropriate to use on cuts and scratches. About 10 drops of the full-strength oil should be added, singularly or blended, to two ounces of distilled water and one half ounce of goldenseal tincture or alcohol. The essential oil mixture should be shaken well before each use, and it can then be sprayed on two or three times per day.

Vitamins E and A are necessary for the skin to heal well and quickly. These vitamin oils can be squeezed directly from their capsules onto the affected areas several times per day. They can be taken orally, as well, along with a multivitamin containing vitamins A, C, E, and B complex. Healing following an injury is also speeded up by supple-mentation with the amino acids arginine and glycine.

Bromelain, the digestive enzyme from pineapple, can be taken between meals as needed to reduce inflammation.