A large unsightly scab can ruin an important evening, make it difficult to wear a skirt or shorts, or be just plain unsightly. The most effective way to get rid of it is to dress the wound properly so that it heals quickly. You can also try some gentle techniques to relieve discomfort and reduce the appearance of the scab, but most importantly, avoid removing it!
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Medicate it
Step 1. Make sure it doesn't ooze
Before medicating it properly, you need to make sure it is dry. If you notice blood seeping in, apply sterile gauze; if you see liquid wetting the gauze, you must not remove it, but cover it with another layer of bandage.
Keep the gauze in place until the wound stops oozing
Step 2. Clean the surrounding skin
Even if the wound has already begun to crust on the surface, it is important to keep it clean to speed up the healing process. Wash your skin with warm water, soap and then rinse, then pat dry gently.
Step 3. Keep the scab hydrated to facilitate healing
Although in the past it was thought that a dry scab heals more quickly, in reality modern research states that it is best to keep it hydrated; apply a layer of petroleum jelly all over the wound and surrounding skin after cleaning it.
You can also use an antibacterial ointment instead of petroleum jelly, although in most cases it is not necessary
Step 4. Cover the crust
Immediately after moisturizing it, cover it with a sterile, adhesive plaster; alternatively you can use silicone sheets (which you can find at the pharmacy) or a gauze bandage, especially if it is a particularly large wound.
Step 5. Put on a new bandage every day
While you wait for the scab to heal, take time each day to remove the dressing and clean the wound; moisturize the skin again and cover it with a new clean bandage.
The scab does not go away immediately, but you can speed up the healing process
Method 2 of 2: Treat the Scab
Step 1. Massage it to relieve discomfort
You don't have to scratch it, as it could cause a scar and the wound may take longer to heal. If you want to find a way to soothe the itch and get rid of the scab, you need to massage it gently with petroleum jelly or a moisturizing ointment; do this every time you put on a new dressing.
Step 2. Try a soothing warm pack
For a few moments of relief, dip a clean cloth in warm water and leave it on the affected skin for 15 minutes, without rubbing or rubbing. This remedy helps relieve irritation that would otherwise cause you to scratch; in addition, water has a moisturizing effect and promotes the healing process.
Step 3. Relax in an Epsom salt bath
This salt makes the skin tighter, minimizing scab, as well as relieving pain and redness associated with the wound. Dissolve 200-300g of Epsom salt in the tub filled with warm water and immerse the area to be treated.
At the end of the procedure, gently pat the scab dry to dry it
Step 4. Cover it with homemade dough
Mix some baking soda with enough water to create a soft paste, apply it over the entire crust and let it dry; once dry, rinse it off with warm water. This remedy tightens the scab a little and dries it gently.
- You can make a similar dough using potassium alum, a natural form of the aluminum salt, which is widely used as a deodorant or astringent; you can look for it in the pharmacy.
- Potassium alum is able to stretch the wound area because it causes the surrounding blood vessels to contract, thus loosening the scab from the surface of the skin.
Step 5. Dab it with natural remedies
There are several commonly used products that can kill microorganisms, help heal the wound and eliminate the scab. Simply dip a cotton swab or cotton swab into the substance and dab it on the area to be treated; let it act for a few minutes and then rinse by applying a new bandage. Trial:
- Tea tree oil;
- Honey;
- Aloe vera gel;
- Apple cider vinegar (1 part of vinegar in 10 parts of water).
Advice
- Don't keep touching the crust, or you will eventually want to peel it off.
- Wash your hands before treating the wound.
- Do not scratch it, or it will take longer to heal and may result in a scar.
- Don't put make-up on the crust, it will just clog it up.