How To Get Rid Of Scabs Fast - Medical News Today

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Medical News TodaySubscribeHow to help a scab heal faster and when to contact a doctor

Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by Jayne Leonard — Updated on February 13, 2024

What are scabs
Keep it clean
Avoid picking
Apply a compress
Moisturize
Avoid covering the scab
Rest
Diet
Avoid cigarette smoke
Seeing a doctor
FAQ
Summary

Scabs usually heal on their own, but techniques such as keeping the wound clean, moisturizing the area, and avoiding picking the scab can help support the healing process.

Keeping a wound clean and covering it with a layer of petroleum jelly, such as plain Vaseline, can retain moisture and prevent a wound from scabbing over.

Read on to learn how to help a scab heal faster and when it might be time to contact a doctor. The article also describes how to reduce discomfort and lower the risk of scarring.

What are scabs, and how do they form?

A child with a scab on their elbow.-1 — Maria Manco/Stocksy

A scab is a dry, rough layer that forms over a wound to protect against infection and blood loss. It is the first stage of wound healing.

When a wound dries out and a scab forms, the healing process may take longer.

Some people find scabs unpleasant or annoying, and the area around the scab may feel itchy or uncomfortable. However, it is important not to pick a scab off.

How do scabs form?

During scab formation, blood vessels at the site of the wound contract, and the blood in that area coagulates, meaning it changes into a semi-solid state.

Platelet cells cause this coagulation, forming a temporary clot to prevent further blood loss. These cells also release proteins that attract an immune response to the wound.

Below are eight tips for helping a scab to heal faster.

1. Keep it clean

Always keep the scab and surrounding skin clean to avoid infection.

If dirt or sweat get into the wound, gently wash the area with warm water and gentle soap, then carefully pat the skin dry.

Try not to touch the scab unless it is necessary. Touching a scab increases the chances of bacteria and other microbes entering the wound.

2. Avoid picking or scrubbing at the scab

When scabs become itchy, some people scratch, scrub, or pick at them.

This can feel tempting, but it delays healing and increases the risk of scarring. It may also cause bleeding or redness.

To alleviate itchiness, try gently pressing on the scab with a clean, wet or dry cloth.

3. Apply a compress

Gently holding a warm compress against the area can increase circulation to the wound. More blood flow brings fresh oxygen and cells that promote healing.

Also, a cold compress can reduce inflammation and pain at the site of the scab.

4. Moisturize the scab

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends keeping the wound moist to help damaged skin heal. They suggest using petroleum jelly to prevent the skin from drying out, as well as to encourage healing and reduce scar formation.

Some people also find other moisturizing products helpful, such as:

coconut oil
emollient cream, ointment, or lotion.

5. Only cover the scab when necessary

Once a scab forms, a person only needs to cover it if it tears, oozes, or bleeds.

However, physically active people may wish to cover scabs if there is a risk that the scabs may be damaged during sports or exercise, for example.

To cover a scab, apply a bandage before being physically active and remove it afterward. If it is necessary to wear the bandage for more than a few hours, change it regularly.

6. Get enough rest

Rest can help the body heal more quickly, while restricted sleep impairs immune function.

According to a 2023 systematic review of 12 studies incorporating 58,198,463 people, there is an association between obstructive sleep apnea and wound healing.

However, the authors call for more high quality research to understand how sleep disruptions affect wound healing.

Most adults should aim to get 7–9 hours of sleep a night.

7. Eat a balanced diet

Certain nutrients play roles in the regeneration and healing of the body’s tissues. Some of the most beneficial nutrients for regeneration and healing include:

protein
selenium
vitamin A
vitamin C
zinc
iron

To ensure an adequate intake of these nutrients, aim to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of:

fruits and vegetables
sources of lean protein, such as:
- poultry
- beans
- lentils
- fish
- tofu
sources of healthy fats, such as:
- avocado
- olive oil
- nuts
whole grains

8. Avoid cigarette smoke

According to the World Health Organization, people who smoke tobacco are at a higher risk of impaired or delayed wound healing and complications such as infections following surgical procedures.

Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarette smoke reduce oxygen flow throughout the body. Doctors call this reduction hypoxia.

Smoking can interfere with the body’s ability to deliver nutrients around the body, which may affect wound healing.

When to contact a doctor and how they treat signs of infection

Most scabs fall away on their own. However, see a doctor if a wound with a scab has any of the following characteristics:

severe pain
continuous oozing or bleeding
no improvement after a few days
gradual worsening of symptoms
swelling that worsens

Also, see a doctor if a fever or chills develop. These signs can indicate an infected scab.

When a person sustains an injury that is very deep or painful, they should seek medical aid.

It is also important to receive medical attention for wounds caused by a human bite or a dirty or rusty object. If a wound becomes infected, consult a healthcare professional.

»MORE:Get a skin condition evaluation in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.

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Frequently asked questions

Below are some common questions about scabs.

Do scabs heal faster dry or moist?

Wounds with scabs take longer to heal than those without. According to the AAD, keeping a wound moist with petroleum jelly can help it heal faster.

How fast do scabs go away?

The duration of a scab may depend on the extent of the wound and the aftercare a person applies. Scabs typically heal within a few weeks.

Why is a scab taking so long to heal?

Factors such as inadequate nutrition, insufficient blood supply, and infection can all slow the wound healing process. A person should speak with a healthcare professional if their scab does not improve or starts to show signs of infection.

Next steps

Keep the scab clean: Avoid picking or scrubbing at the scab and wash the area with warm water and a gentle soap. Moisturizing the scab may also help. Do not cover the scab unless it is bleeding or oozing.
Eat a balanced diet and rest well: Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest to help the body heal.
Contact a doctor: Contact a doctor if the wound is showing signs of infection or if it was caused by a human bite or a dirty, rusty object.

FIND CARE: Find a family medicine specialist in your area today.

Summary

Scabs are part of the typical wound healing process. They protect a wound from dirt and microbes and reduce the risk of infection. A scab will typically fall off by itself within a few weeks.

However, a person can take steps to promote wound healing and reduce the risk of scarring. Some of these methods also alleviate any itching or discomfort that a scab causes.

If a scab causes severe discomfort or if the wound does not begin to improve within a few days, see a doctor.

Dermatology
Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Alhajj M, et al. (2022). Physiology, granulation tissue.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554402/
Barchitta M, et al. (2019). Nutrition and wound healing: An overview focusing on the beneficial effects of curcumin.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6429075/
Bartolo K, et al. (2022). The association between obstructive sleep apnoea and wound healing: a systematic review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10227159/
How much sleep do I need? (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html
Proper wound care: How to minimize a scar. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/wound-care-minimize-scars
Smoking greatly increases risk of complications after surgery. (2020).https://www.who.int/news/item/20-01-2020-smoking-greatly-increases-risk-of-complications-after-surgery
Wallace HA, et al. (2023). Wound healing phases.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470443/

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Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by Jayne Leonard — Updated on February 13, 2024

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