Heal Scabs on Your Face

You can have scabs on your face from acne, wounds, or cold sores. Although scabs are a sign of healing, they can make you feel uncomfortable or cause pain. Getting the scabs to heal quickly may be your top priority to feeling better again. But you need to promote healing sensibly so that you don’t end up with an infection or scarring on your face. You can heal scabs on your face by keeping the area clean and promoting healing with home care.

Steps

Keeping the Scab Clean

1. Wash the scab with soap. Rinse off scabbed areas with clean water and a gentle cleanser. This can add moisture to promote healing. It can also clear away bacteria and dirt that may cause infections. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide to clean the scab because it may kill good cells that heal your skin.
   • Wash as needed, but look for skin that is turning white. Oversaturated skin can cause skin tissue to break, leading to infection and minimizing healing potential.
2. Pat the scab dry. Rubbing scabs dry can dislodge them, exposing the new skin beneath. It can also irritate fragile skin. Gently pat scabs and the surrounding skin with a clean towel. Your skin should feel dry while the scab remains slightly damp. This can prevent irritation or accidental ripping of the scab. It can also keep the scab slightly moist, which can speed up healing.
3. Cover with a bandage. Place a sterile dressing or bandage over the scab. This keeps the area moist, which aids healing. It can also minimize the risk of infection. Change the dressings if they are dirty, wet, or damaged.

Promoting Healing of the Scab

1. Apply a protective layer cream or ointment. Dab a thin layer of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream such as Neosporin or Polysporin. This can moisturize your skin and kill bacteria. It may also prevent itching, irritation, or infection.
   • Speak to your doctor before putting anything on a scab.
2. Moisturize with care. Speak to your doctor about using a moisturizing cream or lotion on a scab. These may soothe irritation or itching. Regular application can also promote healing. Some moisturizing products your doctor might suggest include:
   • Petroleum jelly
   • Vitamin E
   • Aloe vera
3. Let your skin go au-naturel. Consider giving your skin a break from its normal cleansing, moisturizing, and makeup routines. This can reduce irritation, keep the scab intact, and prevent itching. It can also speed up the healing process.
4. Avoid picking at scabs. Keep your fingers away from the scab. Scratching, picking or just touching it can introduce bacteria and cause infection. It can also hinder the healing process and cause scarring.
5. Watch for infection. A bit of redness is normal in a scar. Look for a cluster of symptoms that may indicate an infection of the scab or surrounding skin. Seek medical attention if you have multiple symptoms of an infection. These include:
   • Persistent redness and pain
   • Streaks of redness
   • Foul odor
   • Mild fever
   • Pus drainage
6. See a doctor. If you have symptoms of an infection or your scab isn’t healing, seek prompt medical attention. A doctor can determine if you have an infection or other damage of your scab. They can also formulate a treatment plan to heal your scab and the surrounding skin.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Heal a Skin Tear
• Care for a Bandage or Splint on a Cat
• McConnell Tape Your Knee
• Untrap a Nerve in Your Elbow
• Rehab a Sprained Ankle
• Heal Venous Leg Ulcers
• Heal Scratches
• Heal a Split Lip
• Tape an Ankle Like an Athletic Trainer
• Remove a Deep Splinter

Read more ...