Getting a piece of tar on your skin can be literally painful. You will probably think that it only sticks during construction or building renovations, but in fact it could also stick while walking on the beach. Tar is a very viscous substance that is difficult to remove. In some cases, it can burn the skin or cause other injuries that require medical attention. You can remove it by performing first aid, applying ice and removing residues and stains on the affected area.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Performing First Aid
Step 1. Immediately open the cold water tap
Put the tar-covered skin under cold water. If it's a larger area, take a shower. Chill it for at least 20 minutes. This will prevent the tar from burning your skin as you try to figure out if you need medical attention or if you can fix the problem yourself.
Avoid using very cold water or ice until you decide the best course of action
Step 2. See your doctor immediately
Although rare, tar could burn the skin and damage the underlying skin layers. Then, by consulting your doctor, you will ensure proper treatment against burns or other damage, you can relieve pain and discomfort, and allow the wound to heal properly. Don't hesitate to see your doctor if:
- The tar is still hot even if you tried to apply cold water;
- The tar appears to burn the skin;
- Tar covers a rather large portion of the skin or a large part of the body;
- Tar is found near the eyes.
Step 3. Remove the jewelry and clothing
Remove any clothing or fabric around the tar-coated skin. This way, you will mitigate the heat and reduce the risk of burns, damage or other consequences. Avoid removing clothes or objects attached to the skin to avoid further damage. If you are unable to remove them yourself, seek medical attention immediately.
Step 4. Do not peel off the tar
Don't be tempted to remove it with your fingers until it has cooled completely. Then, wait to decrease the risk of further damaging the underlying layers of skin and make sure the wound heals properly.
Part 2 of 4: Applying the Ice
Step 1. Harden the tar with ice
Rub your skin with an ice cube or pack. Continue until the tar hardens or cracks. This will make it easier for you to peel it off your skin, heal wounds, or remove stains.
If your skin gets too cold, remove the ice for a few minutes to prevent chilblains or cold burns
Step 2. Lift the tar once it has hardened and cracked
When it has cooled, gently peel it off the skin. If it breaks, keep lifting it up in small pieces until all of them are removed. Be aware that during this operation you may get injured or feel pain as you pull out the hairs trapped in the tar. If it is unbearable, see a doctor to reduce the risk of skin breakdown.
Apply ice again if the tar softens from the heat your body gives off
Step 3. Clean your skin
If you've managed to get rid of the tar, clean the affected area with a mild cleanser. Gently distribute it in circular motions. Then, rinse with warm water. This way, you will be able to remove debris and debris, but also eliminate any bacteria or germs that could cause infections on the affected area.
Part 3 of 4: Using Household Products
Step 1. Apply a healing cream
Use Streptosil or another polysorbate-based ointment on the tarred area and let it sit for a few minutes before gently wiping it off with a clean cloth or rinsing it off with warm water. It is the safest and most effective way to remove tar. The polysorbate-based creams are able to decompose the tar, are non-toxic and allow to relieve pain and skin lesions.
Step 2. Spread the mayonnaise
Once the tar has cooled, apply a firm layer of mayonnaise. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes so it can decompose it. Then, with a clean cloth or a soft brush, gently remove it while removing the tar. Finish by cleaning the affected area of any residue, stains or bacteria.
Step 3. Use the oil
Open your pantry and get the oil you use for cooking. Apply it by pouring a generous amount onto the potion of tar coated skin and surrounding skin. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Then, gently peel or scratch. Finally, wipe everything off with a mild detergent, clean water, and a soft cloth. There are a number of cooking ingredients that you can use to remove tar:
- Sunflower oil (it is very effective);
- Butter;
- Baby oil;
- Canola oil
- Coconut oil;
- Olive oil.
Step 4. Apply petroleum jelly
Spread a layer of petroleum jelly over the affected area and surrounding skin. Wait five minutes for it to penetrate the tar. Then gently remove the excess that has not been absorbed along with the rest. Finish by cleaning and rinsing until the last residue or the most persistent stains are removed.
Re-apply petroleum jelly if you see other traces of tar or stains on your skin
Step 5. Avoid toxic chemicals
Someone may suggest you use household products, such as nail polish remover. However, avoid any potentially toxic substances as they could penetrate the skin and harm your health. So, refrain from:
- Denatured alcohol;
- Acetone;
- Nail polish remover;
- Kerosene;
- Ether;
- Gas;
- Aldehydes.
Part 4 of 4: Remove Tar Residues and Stains by Exfoliating the Skin
Step 1. Remove stains with a brush
Tar can stain your skin even after you've removed it. By gently rubbing the skin, you can remove any trace or halo. Then, gently scrub a clean cloth or scrub brush to remove stubborn stains or pieces of tar. Then, clean and rinse with warm water.
Repeat this if necessary
Step 2. Remove the stains with the pumice stone
Sweep it in light circular motions over any stain or tar residue. If you want, add a mild cleanser. Then, rinse the area with warm water and dry it with a clean towel. You will be able to remove any tar or stubborn stains easily and effectively.
Step 3. Apply an exfoliating product
If the residue or stains are difficult to remove, use an exfoliant. You can buy it or make one yourself. Spread a layer over the affected area. Gently rub it into your skin until it's clean again. Here are some ingredients to prepare it at home:
- Sodium bicarbonate;
- Paste made from sugar and olive oil or coconut oil;
- Paste based on salt and almond oil;
- Pasta made from honey and finely ground oatmeal.
Step 4. See your doctor
Sometimes, tar cannot be removed from the skin or extreme skin sensitivity can occur after removal. In these cases, go to the doctor. He may spot a problem, remove tar or stubborn stains, and prescribe a treatment that is appropriate to your skin's needs. Get checked if:
- You are unable to remove the tar;
- You have stubborn stains;
- You feel pain or discomfort that doesn't go away
- You notice injuries or damage to the previously tarred area.
