How To Get Rid Of Scabs

By: Esther Lowery

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Are you tired of looking at your scab and want to know how to get rid of scabs? Scabs form over a wound or damaged skin as encrusted formation to protect the skin during the healing process. It is important to take proper care of scabs to help eliminate infection or permanent scarring from occurring on your skin. There are a few things that you can do to help get rid of scabs.

  1. Don't pick at the scab. Picking at a scab can irritate the skin and slow down the healing process. This can expose the wound to bacteria, which can eventually lead to scarring on the skin.
  2. Don't cover the scab with anything. Only cover the scab if it is bleeding, infected or has anything leaking out of it. You want to allow the scab to get air so it can breath, which can help it heal. If you do have to cover the scab, use a bandage only for a few hours at a time.
  3. Keep the scab moist. Apply antibiotic ointment over the scab several times a day. Keeping the scab moist will keep the area fresh and will allow the skin beneath the scab to regenerate. This also keeps the scab from hardening, which makes the healing process faster for your skin to be restored.
  4. Talk to your doctor if it seems to be getting worse. If it looks like an infection or bacteria could be forming, or the scab doesn't appear to be healing, give your doctor a call. There may be a special treatment or ointment that you may need to help heal your scab. Always check your scab daily to look at the progress.
Posted on: Oct. 04, 2010