[ihearttheveil]

I have a few long scratches on my arm that are somewhat deep and are scabbed over. They have only been covered by my shirts/sweater's, no bandage or anything but the area around them is bright red and puffy. I'm wondering if its possible its been infected or

[joypulv]

Yes, bright red is usually one sign of infection. Fever is another. Scabbed over, however, is a sign of healing. It would be best if you could at least walk into a clinic and show them to a nurse.

[ihearttheveil]

Thank you for the reply! I peeled the scabs off to make them less noticeable, and so my mom wouldn't see. I wish I could go to a clinic but I don't think I could go without them reporting it. Any tips on getting rid of infection or preventing?

[Cat1864]

How did you get the scratches? Why hide them from your mother? Why would anyone report scratches and to whom are you afraid they would be reported?

Understand that most scratches aren't a problem but scratches from humans and cats can become infected fairly easily. Other things like rusty metal can result in needing a tetanus shot. So you need to have someone who knows what they are doing look at them.

Don't make the mistake (I am guessing you made a major one if you can't show your mom) worse by not getting the scratches taken care of properly.

[smoothy]

Are by chance these "scratches" actually cutting or self mutilation?

[Fr_Chuck]

Yes it is infected, and yes you need to see the doctor. Show your parents and let them take you.