Ask a doctor

Is there a cream or ointment you recommend to heal fingernail scratches on the face?

Doctor Answers 3

Is there a cream or ointment you recommend to heal fingernail scratches on the face?

January 23rd, 2014
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
If the scratches are fresh, keep them moist for the first week with either Bacitracin ointment, Vaseline or Aquaphor. Once the scratches have healed (about one week), you will want to use a medical - grade scar gel (I recommend a SkinMedica product) as well as daily sunblock to avoid darkening of the injured areas.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS
Denver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Web reference: http://weberfacialplasticsurgery.com/scar-treatments/

Stephen Weber, MD, FACS


Denver Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 123 reviews

Dark scratch marks on the face and Melarase

January 22nd, 2014
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Dark fingernail scratches can be corrected with skin lighteners. Our office recommends Melarase AM and Melarase PM, used twice daily. 

Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACS

Web reference: http://surgery90210.com/cosmetic-dermatology/82/melarase.aspx

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 90 reviews

Scratch marks

January 24th, 2014
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
If the scratches are fresh, keep it moist with Aquaphor healing ointment until completely healed.  If scabs develop, do not pick the scabs off until it falls off on it's own.  Protect the scratches from the sun to prevent uneven pigmented scars.  If dark pigmented scars develop, skin lightening medications like hydroquinone with or without tretinoin can help.
Jeanie Leddon, MD

Jeanie Leddon, MD
Boulder Dermatologic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 1 review

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.