How to Remove Tar Stains from Skin

Tar on your skin can cause both literal and figurative pain. You might assume that only those working in construction or home repair would get tar on their skin, but it can happen in other situations too, like when visiting the beach. Tar is sticky, which makes it difficult to clean off. In some cases, it can burn the skin or create wounds requiring medical attention. You can remove tar from your skin by taking first aid steps, applying ice, and cleaning off any remaining stains.

Quickly rinse the tar-covered skin with cold water. Place the affected skin under cold running water. If the area with tar is large, stand under a cold shower. Soak or let water run over the tarred skin for at least 20 minutes. This step can help ease the burning sensation as you decide whether to seek medical care or attempt to remove the tar yourself.

• Avoid using water that is too cold or ice while you decide on the next steps.

Seek immediate medical attention. While rare, tar can cause skin burns and damage the underlying skin layers. When you visit a doctor, you will receive proper treatment for burns or other skin damage caused by tar, pain relief, and optimal healing of the skin. You should seek medical care immediately if:

• The tar remains hot even after rinsing with cold water.
• The tar appears to be burning your skin.
• The tar covers a large area of your body.
• The tar is near your eyes.

Remove clothing or jewelry from the affected area. Take off any clothing or fabric covering the area where the tar is stuck. This will help disperse heat and reduce the risk of burns, skin damage, or other discomfort. Do not attempt to pull the clothing or items off the skin to avoid further injury. If you're unable to remove the clothing, seek medical help immediately.

Avoid scraping the tar off your skin. Do not attempt to scrape the tar off until it has cooled completely. Allow the tar to cool down before proceeding to minimize the risk of damaging the underlying skin and to ensure the wound heals properly.

Rub ice to harden the tar. Rub an ice cube or an ice pack over the area with tar. Continue rubbing until the tar hardens or cracks. This will make it easier to peel off the tar and treat the wound or clean any remaining stains.

• Stop rubbing the ice if the skin gets too cold and wait a few minutes to prevent frostbite or numbness.

Peel off the hardened or cracked tar layer. Gently remove the cooled tar from your skin. If the tar has cracked, continue peeling it off in small pieces. This process may cause pain or discomfort as small hair strands that are stuck in the tar get pulled out. If it is too painful to remove the tar, you should seek medical help to minimize skin damage.

• Keep rubbing ice on the area to harden the tar if it softens due to body heat.

Clean the skin. If you can't remove the tar, wash the skin with a mild soap. Gently rub soap around the tarred area, then rinse with warm water. This step may help remove small tar particles and any remaining stains, while also killing bacteria or germs that could cause an infection in the wound.

Apply polysorbate cream. Apply Neosporin (polymyxin B sulfate-neomycin sulfate-gramicidin) or Tween 80 (polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan mono-oleate) to the area with tar. Wait for a few minutes to allow the cream to take effect, then gently wipe off or rinse with warm water. This may be one of the most effective and safest ways to remove tar. These two products help break down the tar, are nearly non-toxic, and cause minimal pain or skin damage.

Apply mayonnaise to the tarred skin. Spread a thick layer of mayonnaise over the tarred area. Allow the mayonnaise to soak into the skin for at least 30 minutes, then gently wipe off the mayonnaise and skin using a soft cloth or brush. Finally, rinse off any remaining dirt, bacteria, and residues.

Apply household oils to the tarred skin. Look for cooking oils or skin oils that you already have at home. Pour a generous amount of the chosen oil onto the tar and surrounding skin. Wait for 20 minutes for the oil to work, then gently peel or scrape the tar off. Wash or wipe off the oil and tar using mild soap, clean water, and a soft cloth. The following household oils may also help remove tar from your skin:

• Sunflower oil, which can be very effective
• Butter
• Baby oil
• Canola oil
• Coconut oil
• Olive oil

Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Spread a layer of Vaseline on the tar and the surrounding skin. Wait for 5 minutes to let the cream absorb into the tar, then gently wipe off the cream and tar from your skin. Follow up by washing your skin to remove any remaining tar and stains.

• Reapply Vaseline if tar or stains are still left on the skin.

Avoid using toxic chemicals. You might have heard of removing tar from skin with household products like nail polish remover. You should avoid anything that could be harmful, as these substances can be absorbed by the skin and pose health risks. Stay away from using the following products to remove tar:

• Alcohol
• Acetone
• Nail polish remover
• Turpentine
• Ether
• Gasoline
• Formaldehyde

Remove stains using a brush. Tar can leave stains on the skin even after it has been removed. You can use a cloth or soft brush to gently scrub the skin to clean any remaining tar particles or stains, then rinse with warm water.

• Scrub again if necessary.

Remove stains with a pumice stone. Gently rub the pumice stone over the tar stain or dirt using circular motions. You can use a mild soap while rubbing the pumice stone if you wish. Rinse the area you just scrubbed with warm water and pat it dry with a clean towel. This method can easily and effectively remove any remaining stains.

Use exfoliating cream. Exfoliating cream can be a solution for particularly tough tar stains or dirt. You can either purchase or make your own exfoliating cream. Apply a layer of cream to the stained area and gently scrub until the tar or stains disappear. Some DIY exfoliating products you can make include:

• Baking soda
• Sugar with olive oil or coconut oil
• A mixture of salt and almond oil
• Ground oatmeal and honey

See a doctor. Sometimes you can't remove the tar from your skin on your own, or your skin may become sensitive after tar removal. In such cases, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor. The doctor can diagnose any underlying issues, remove the tar or stubborn stains, and apply the appropriate treatment. Seek medical care if:

• You can't remove the tar.
• The stains remain firmly attached.
• The wound causes pain or discomfort that doesn't subside.
• The skin area affected by the tar is damaged.