How to Get a Scab Off Without Leaving a Scar
The best way to prevent scars is before it develops. A scab might seem like a form of protection, but it does not help the wound heal. Scabs slow down the healing process and promote scarring. While you don't want to pick at the scab because that damages new cells, you need to remove it. This will allow you to start treating the wound the right way.Things You'll Need
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Cotton swabs
- Antibacterial ointment
- Adhesive bandages
- Petroleum jelly
- Lotion
- Scar reducing pads
Instructions
-
-
1
Soak the scab in hydrogen peroxide. How long you need to soak the scab depends on how thick it is. Some scabs may need to be soaked for 5 minutes, according to Dr. Vincent L. Angeloni with Heartland Dermatology.
-
2
Once the scab is removed, you do not want to use hydrogen peroxide on the wound again as it will destroy new skin cells. Gently rub the scab with a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide until the scab is removed.
-
3
Dry off the area with a second cotton swab.
-
4
Covering the wound will help prevent infection until it heals and keep it moist. Apply antibacterial ointment to the wound and cover it with a bandage to prevent a new scab from forming on the wound. Wounds that scab over take twice as long to heal than wounds that do not, according to Dr. Angeloni.
-
5
Keep the wound moist by reapplying antibacterial ointment and keeping it covered until new skin grows over the wound. After the first week, you can switch to using petroleum jelly, but keep the wound covered.
-
6
Massage the wound with lotion in a circular motion for 30 seconds several times a day once new skin has grown over it. This will break down the bonds of collagen and reduce any scarring. Special scar-reducing lotion, such as Mederm, can be used in this step.
-
7
Apply a special scar-treatment cosmetic pad that keeps pressure on the area to help flatten any scars. These pads prevent collagen from going above the skin when the wound is healing.
-
1