How to Treat a Scaled Wound

A big, ugly scab can ruin your wonderful evening out; it makes you not dare to wear short skirts or shorts for fear of revealing your bad spots. The safest treatment is to properly cover the wound to help the wound heal quickly. You can also try some gentle methods to ease discomfort and limit scabs. Most of all, don’t pick the scales on the wound! ^{[1] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

Table of Contents

Dressing

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Make sure the wound is not bleeding. The wound or scab needs to be dry before you put a bandage on. If the wound is still bleeding, place sterile non-stick gauze over it. Do not remove the gauze if blood has soaked the gauze. You may be able to re-bleed the wound if you remove the gauze, as the healing tissue will also be pulled out. You should just put another layer of gauze on top. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Leave the gauze on the wound until the bleeding stops.

READ More: How to Bathe a Pregnant Dog

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Clean around the wound. Even if the wound has already begun to scab over, it’s important to keep it clean and moist. This way the wound will heal faster. Wash with soap and warm water, then rinse with clean water. Lightly pat dry. ^{[3] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}

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Moisten the scab to help the wound heal. Although it was previously thought that the scab should be kept dry to heal, recent studies suggest that it is best to keep the scab moist. Apply a generous amount of Vaseline cream on and around the scab after cleaning. ^{[4] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}

You can also use an antibacterial ointment instead of Vaseline cream, but most wounds don’t need antibiotic ointment.

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Dressing. Immediately after moistening the scab over the wound, you should cover it with sterile non-stick gauze and secure with tape. You can also use silicone gel pads (bought at the pharmacy), non-stick bandages, or non-stick gauze under the bandages, especially for large wounds. ^{[5] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}

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Change the dressing daily. While you wait for the scab to heal, you should take the time to change the dressing every day and clean the area. Apply moisturizer and bandage. ^{[6] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}

The scab won’t go away immediately, but this step will definitely push around the healing process.

Scaling treatment

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Massage onto scabs to soothe. Absolutely do not pry the scab, as this can cause scarring, and can even make the wound heal longer. To ease the itching and also help remove the scab, you can gently massage with a little Vaseline cream or moisturizer. You can massage every time you change the dressing. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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Try warm compresses to soothe. To soothe the wound, you can use a clean cloth soaked in warm water to cover the scab for 15 minutes, but do not rub. This can help relieve the itch that makes you want to pry the scabs off. Water also provides moisture to help the scab heal. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

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Apply a homemade paste on the skin when the scabs start to fall off. Mix baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste over the entire scab and let it dry, then rinse with warm water. This will tighten the scab and gently peel off the skin. ^{[9] X Research Source}

You can also apply potassium alum, a natural form of aluminum salt, widely used as a deodorant and astringent. You can find it in drugstores.
Aluminum helps the scab to tighten by constricting the surrounding blood vessels, which eventually helps to slough off the scab.

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Use natural remedies to dab the scabs. There are many common products that can kill germs and help heal wounds and scabs. You just need to dip a cotton ball in the solution and dab it on the scales. Wait a few minutes, then rinse and cover. You can try: ^{[10] X Research Sources}

Tea tree oil
Honey
Aloe Vera Gel
Apple Cider Vinegar (1 part vinegar to 10 parts water)

Advice

Don’t repeatedly touch the scab as it will make you want to pry it open.
Wash your hands before handling the scab.
Do not pick at the scab, as this will take longer to heal and may cause scarring.
Do not apply cosmetics on the scabs because you will not be able to cover them and will also make the scabs more smudged.

Steps

Dressing

Scaling treatment

Advice

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