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What Causes Red Itchy Rash After Being Scratched By Nail?

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Posted on Wed, 2 Jul 2014
Question: I got scratched by a family member on m
y arm. She has long nails and when she scratched me she did take off some skin. Now the scratched has turned into a big red mark. It sometimes itches but it doesn't look like a rash. The area is not hot or bumpy, the skin color is the different though.
Not sure what this can be, please help
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Few medicines and povidone iodine locally

Detailed Answer:
hi.
Thanks for your query and a photograph.

The redness is diffuse and there looks to be inflammation over a large area.

I would advise:
Thorough application of liquid Povidone Iodine to the whole limb to make the skin sterile. Apply 3 to 4 times a day.
Get an antibiotic cover for a few days till the redness is settled ( you need a prescription).
Anti-inflammatory medicines like Ibuprofen- there is definite inflammation.
Injection Tetanus Toxoid booster dose if you have already been immunized.
And nothing to worry about. This will be fine soon.
Ask the family member to cut the nails ( on a lighter vain).

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (2 days later)
thank you for the response, now that I have started applying what you recommended how long till it clears up?
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Also take the anti-inflammatory medicines

Detailed Answer:
Great !
Please take some anti-inflammatory medicines too.
It should take about a week for clearing up.
Although it depends upon a personal response, as everyone's response to a given injury will never be the same.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19777 Questions

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What Causes Red Itchy Rash After Being Scratched By Nail?

Brief Answer: Few medicines and povidone iodine locally Detailed Answer: hi. Thanks for your query and a photograph. The redness is diffuse and there looks to be inflammation over a large area. I would advise: Thorough application of liquid Povidone Iodine to the whole limb to make the skin sterile. Apply 3 to 4 times a day. Get an antibiotic cover for a few days till the redness is settled ( you need a prescription). Anti-inflammatory medicines like Ibuprofen- there is definite inflammation. Injection Tetanus Toxoid booster dose if you have already been immunized. And nothing to worry about. This will be fine soon. Ask the family member to cut the nails ( on a lighter vain).