Demonic Attacks: Reported Scratches and Physical Encounters

A demonic attack is the term investigators use for physical encounters blamed on a negative or demonic entity: unexplained scratches, bites, burning sensations, pressure on the chest, or a feeling of being pushed. These reports are among the most disturbing in paranormal research, and we've filmed many of them as they happened. Below, we cover the signs people associate with demonic attacks, what demonic scratches are, the ordinary explanations, and the moments from LiveSciFi investigations where team members reported physical effects, so you can watch the footage and decide for yourself.

What Is a Demonic Attack?

In paranormal circles, a demonic attack means any physical or emotional effect believed to come from a malevolent entity rather than a human ghost. Reports range from minor, like sudden cold, nausea or ringing ears, to dramatic, like scratches appearing on skin. Many religious traditions describe stages of demonic activity, from infestation of a place, to oppression of a person, to possession. Read more in our guides to historical demon classifications and demon names.

Signs of a Demonic Attack

These are the effects most often reported during investigations, including ours:

• Scratches, often appearing in sets of three, on the back, arms or chest.
• Burning sensations on the skin, sometimes with redness afterward.
• Pressure or tightness on the chest, neck or wrist.
• Nausea, dizziness and sudden headaches, especially during Ouija or ritual sessions.
• Being touched, pushed or nudged with nobody nearby.
• Foul smells, such as sulfur, rot or smoke, with no clear source.

What Are Demonic Scratches?

Demonic scratches are red lines or welts that appear on someone's skin during or after an investigation, without a known cause. Many investigators say scratches in groups of three are a sign of a demonic presence, mocking the Holy Trinity. The scratches typically fade within hours. One of the clearest examples we've filmed is at the Sallie House in Kansas, where marks were found on an investigator's back and examined on camera. See our Sallie House history and Sallie House Dark Secret Exposed.

Are Demonic Attacks Real?

There's no scientific evidence that demons cause physical harm. Common explanations include:

• Dermatographia, a common skin condition where light pressure, even from clothing or a seat back, raises red lines that fade within an hour.
• Accidental scratches from equipment, furniture or fingernails in the dark, unnoticed in the moment.
• Stress and fear, which can cause nausea, chest tightness, tingling and a racing heart.
• Environmental factors such as poor air, mold, gas leaks and cold, especially in old buildings and mines.

Believers point to marks that appear under clothing with nobody nearby, or that show up right after a provocation. We show the moment marks are found, note what the investigator was doing beforehand, and say when an ordinary cause is likely. And if you ever experience chest pain, trouble breathing or a serious injury, get medical help first.

Demonic Attacks Caught on Camera

• Back scratches at the Sallie House (Episode 11, 43:04): red marks are found and examined on an investigator's back. Watch the moment
• Scratches at Sedamsville Rectory (1:05:00): from The Demon Files, investigators discuss scratches and trouble seeing. Watch the moment
• A reported scratch at the Haunted Hill House (13:06): from our Seven Demons investigation. Watch the moment
• A bite and marks at the Mackay Mansion (1:10:47): reported during our overnight in Virginia City. Watch the moment
• A burning back and pressure (2:11:06): later the same night at the Mackay Mansion. Watch the moment
• Burning lower back and possible scratches at Gold Hill Cabin (57:18): from The Demon Files in Nevada. Watch the moment
• Chest pain ends a ZoZo session (1:30:13): the team stops the board after an investigator reports chest pain. Watch the moment

Play any of these moments in the player above, or browse every demonic attack moment in the archive below.

Demonic Attacks FAQ

Why do demonic scratches come in threes?

In paranormal tradition, three scratches are said to mock the Holy Trinity, so many investigators see them as a sign of a demonic rather than a human spirit. Skeptics note that three fingers dragged across skin, or dermatographia, can also leave three lines.

What does it mean if you wake up with scratches?

Most often, it's scratching in your sleep, a pet, bedding or a skin condition such as dermatographia. If it happens often or comes with other symptoms, see a doctor. Some people believe unexplained scratches are paranormal; if that's your experience, photograph them and note the time.

How do investigators protect themselves from demonic attacks?

Common practices include prayer, carrying religious items, using holy water or sage, setting rules before communication, and closing every session. Our team uses several of these on camera, and you can watch how each session ends.

Related reading: Paranormal Evidence Archive · Shadow people · Ouija sessions · The Demon Files: Where to Watch