How to Get Rid of a Scab

Medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

A big, ugly scab can ruin a big night out, make it hard to wear skirts or shorts, and just seem unsightly. The most reliable way to get rid of a scab is to properly dress the wound so it heals quickly. You can also try some gentle treatment techniques to ease discomfort and possibly minimize scabbing. Above all, don’t pick at the scab!^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Dressing the Scab

1
Make sure the scab is not oozing. Before you can properly dress a wound or scab, it should be dry. If your wound is oozing blood, place some sterile non-adhering gauze on it. If it soaks through the gauze, don’t remove it. Removing it can restart bleeding by pulling off the healing tissue. Just place another layer of gauze on top.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Keep the gauze in place until the wound stops oozing.
2
Clean all around the scab. Even if your wound has already started to scab over, it’s important to keep it clean and moist. This helps it heal faster. Simply rinse the wound with warm water. Lightly pat it dry.^{[3]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Moisten the scab to help it heal faster. While old ways assumed that keeping a scab dry helped it heal faster, modern research says keeping it moist is best. Slather a layer of petroleum jelly all over and around the scab after you have cleaned it.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- You can also use antibacterial ointment instead of petroleum jelly, but this isn’t necessary for most wounds.
4
Cover the scab. To prevent infection, cover the wound with a sterile non-adhesive bandage.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} Try gauze secured with tape, silicone gel sheets (look for these at a pharmacy), non-stick gauze wrap, or non-adhesive gauze under a wrap, especially if you’re dealing with a big scab.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
5
Put a fresh bandage on every day. While you’re waiting for the scab to heal, take time to remove the bandage each day and clean the site. Moisten the scab again and cover it with a new bandage.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- The scab still won’t disappear instantly, but this will definitely speed up the healing process.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Treating the Scab

1
Massage your scab to get some relief. Picking at your scab is a no-no, since this can cause scarring and make it take even longer for the wound to heal.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} If you want some relief from the itching that will also help get rid of the scab, try gently massaging it with a bit of petroleum jelly or moisturizing lotion. You can do this each time you put a new bandage on.^{[9]
X
Research source}
2
Try a soothing warm compress. For some instant relief, soak a clean cloth in plain warm water. Let it sit on the scab for fifteen minutes, but don’t rub or scrub. This will provide relief from the irritation that makes you want to pick the scab. The water will also moisturize the scab, helping it to heal faster.^{[10]
X
Research source}
3
Coat the skin in a homemade paste once the scab comes loose. Mix some baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste over the entire scab and let dry. When you’re done, rinse it away with warm water. This will tighten the scab and draw it gently from the skin.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- You can do the same thing with potassium alum, a naturally occurring form of aluminum salt, and is widely used as a deodorant and styptic (or astringent). Look for it at your local pharmacy.
- Alum tightens the scab by constricting the surrounding blood vessels, ultimately loosening the scab from its mooring on the skin.
4
Dab at the scab with natural remedies. Several common products can kill germs, helping the wound to heal and the scab to clear up. Just soak a cotton ball or swab in the product, then dab it on your scab. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and apply a new dressing. Try:
- Tea tree oil^{[12]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
- Honey^{[13]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
- Aloe vera^{[14]
  X
  Research source}

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

What can I use to cover a scab on my face?

Ashleigh Grounds
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Ashleigh Grounds is a Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist based in Austin, Texas. Ashleigh has over 11 years of cosmetology experience. She studied cosmetology in Dallas, Texas and completed a two-year hair salon apprenticeship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with Toni & Guy Hair Salon. She is accredited by the International Board of Cosmetology, is a certified Babe Hair Extension Professional, and is a certified Brazilian Blow Out Professional. Ashleigh was voted the best Hair Stylist in Austin for 2012 by RAW Artists and was voted in the top 20 salons for 2020 in Austin by Expertise. Ashleigh's work has been featured in Talentmagazines, BlogTalkRadio, KXAN, and Studio 512.

Ashleigh Grounds

Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Look for a color-correcting primer that has green or yellow tones. That way, the scab won't look as noticeable.
Question

Will this work for scabs on my face?

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
Registered Nurse
Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Of course! Caring for a scab on your face is important to prevent scars. Just remember not to pick it, and keep your scab moist.
Question

Will this work on scabs that have turned black?

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
Registered Nurse
Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Yes, these steps can work. The dark rusty-brown color, often black, is the scab--the crust the forms over the injured area (the coagulation of blood). The best thing you can do is keep your scab moist no matter how dark of a color it has turned. The scab will generally remain in place until the skin underneath has been repaired and new skin cells have appeared, after which it naturally falls off!