Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) has a history of traditional use in European herbal medicine, but its application for scratches and abrasions is mostly based on folk remedies rather than robust scientific evidence. Historically, various parts of the blackthorn plant—such as the leaves, bark, and fruits—have been utilized externally as poultices or washes to support the healing of minor wounds, scratches, and abrasions. This use is documented in some ethnobotanical sources and traditional herbal texts, which mention blackthorn’s purported astringent and mildly antiseptic properties, attributed mainly to its tannin content.

However, the scientific evidence supporting blackthorn's efficacy for treating scratches and abrasions is minimal. There are no well-designed clinical trials or pharmacological studies specifically investigating its effects on wound healing or infection prevention in this context. Most modern herbal references cite its traditional use rather than validated outcomes. As such, while blackthorn may be included in some traditional topical preparations, its use for scratches and abrasions should be considered based on historical precedent rather than scientific validation.

In summary, the use of blackthorn for scratches and abrasions is justified by tradition with very limited evidence, and no substantial clinical data supports its efficacy.