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Scabs form a protective barrier over wounds, made up of dried blood, plasma, and immune cells. As they play a protective role, it's important not to forcefully remove them. Picking at the scab can cause irritation, delay the healing process, and increase the risk of infection. Removing the scab from acne can be tricky, and trying to get rid of it too soon can leave scars. The key is to keep the scab soft, moist, and flexible, while encouraging the healing process beneath. If acne scars occur, there are various methods to help the wound heal faster, but it's important to let the acne go through its natural healing process before it disappears.
Steps
Wash to remove the scab
Clean the scab every day. It’s recommended to wash the scabbed area twice a day with an acne-specific or gentle cleanser. After washing, gently pat the area dry.
- Make sure to use a clean towel each time. Reusing towels can spread bacteria and slow down the healing process.
Wash with oil. After washing with soap, you can apply an oil to moisturize and help remove the scab layer. You may choose from oils such as beaver oil, coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, and others. Use a clean washcloth to gently apply the oil to the scab. Be gentle and apply only slight pressure. Wash thoroughly and moisturize again.
- Washing with oil will help remove a few small scab pieces. However, only remove pieces that come off easily. Don’t try to force them off.
- The scab should fall off in five to seven days. Some may fall off earlier or later, but don’t force them to come off sooner.
Apply a warm compress. Soak a piece of cloth in warm water, roll it up, and apply it to the acne scab twice a day for 10-15 minutes each time. The warm, moist steam will soften the scab, helping it to come off safely and naturally while also aiding in healing the wound.
- Don’t rub when applying the compress. Simply apply the cloth and hold it in place over the scab.
Soak in Epsom salt. Soaking in a bathtub with Epsom salt helps hydrate the scab on the body and encourages wound healing. Dissolve Epsom salt in warm water and soak the area with the scab for about one hour.
- Repeat daily until the scab falls off.
- Be sure not to use Epsom salt on your face.
Use plantain leaves to remove acne scabs
Find plantain leaves. Plantain plants have long, flat leaves with narrow blades and can be found growing everywhere, even in your yard. There are different types of plantain, but they all have vertical veins on the leaves. Many people consider plantain to be a weed, but it has many medicinal properties. Plantain can be applied directly to wounds to protect and encourage healing. Plantain leaves also have antibacterial properties.
- In the United States, many people don't recognize the plant growing in their yard as plantain, because it shares its name with a fruit similar to a banana. The medicinal plantain leaves are distinct from the fruit of the same name.
- If you can’t find fresh plantain leaves, you can purchase dried plantain leaves and herbs from herbal shops. You can also buy ointments and creams made from processed plantain.
Make a plantain leaf cream. Take 10 fresh plantain leaves and gently simmer them in about 2.5 cm of water until the leaves soften. Remove the leaves, crush them with a spoon, and allow them to cool.
- Once the mixture has cooled, add a few drops of your chosen essential oil. You can opt for almond oil, castor oil, or mineral oil.
- You can also use dried plantain leaves, mix them with essential oils, and simmer to create a cream.
Apply plantain cream to the scab. Once the cream is ready, evenly apply it to the scab layer, then cover it with gauze or a bandage.
- You can leave the cream on the scab for as long as you'd like, for example, overnight, then wash it off in the morning, or apply it and rinse it off during a shower.
Use plantain cream on the face. If the acne scab is on your face, apply the cream 2 to 4 times a day, each time leaving it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then wash it off with warm water and pat your face dry.
Use aloe vera to remove acne scabs
Use a piece of fresh aloe vera leaf. If you grow aloe vera, cut a small section of the leaf, extract the juice, and apply it to the scab. Let it dry, no need to rinse, and repeat 4 to 5 times a day.
- You can buy aloe vera leaves at the produce section in many supermarkets.
Use aloe vera gel. If fresh aloe vera leaves are unavailable, you can purchase aloe vera gel. Use a cotton swab or cotton ball to apply the gel to the scab. You may leave it on without rinsing, or rinse it off after 15 to 20 minutes.
- Repeat this 4 to 5 times a day.
Use aloe vera cream. Aloe vera products come in various forms, such as creams, lotions, or ointments. Visit your local pharmacy to choose a suitable product for your needs.
Understand the benefits of aloe vera. Aloe vera has been used for centuries as a healing agent. It has anti-inflammatory properties and many characteristics that promote faster wound healing.
- Aloe vera gel moisturizes the scab layer, helping to stimulate the healing process.
Remove acne scabs using other herbs
Use onion or garlic juice. Apply a few drops of onion or garlic juice to the scab using a cotton swab or cotton ball. Let it dry, and then rinse with warm water if the onion or garlic smell is unpleasant. Repeat 4 to 5 times a day.
- You can also apply the juice overnight.
- Some individuals may experience irritation from onion or garlic juice. If this occurs, consider using an alternative method.
- Both onion and garlic juice have antibacterial, antifungal, and wound-healing properties. They have been used for centuries to promote wound healing and reduce scarring, especially after surgery.
Use honey. Honey has been used for centuries to help heal wounds. Apply about half a teaspoon of honey to the scab using a cotton swab or cotton ball, then cover it with gauze or a bandage. Leave it for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Apply this remedy four to five times a day, or you can leave the honey on overnight.
- Medicinal honeys, such as Manuka, are popular, but natural honey also works effectively.
Make a marigold essential oil blend. Mix 3 to 4 drops of marigold essential oil with another oil, such as almond, castor, olive, or mineral oil. Use a cotton swab or cotton ball to apply the blend to the scab without rinsing. Repeat this process four to five times a day.
- Marigold essential oil has healing properties for wounds.
- You can also find many creams, lotions, and ointments made with marigold available on the market.
Use apple cider vinegar. Mix 5 ml of apple cider vinegar with 50 ml of water, and apply the solution to the scab with a cotton ball. Leave it for 20 minutes, then gently rinse with water.
- Apple cider vinegar promotes new cell growth and has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Warning
- Although it may be tempting, you should never pick at the scabs on your wound or pimples. Picking at them will leave scars and increase the risk of infection.
