How to Get Rid of Acne Scabs Fast

Keep It Clean
Don't Touch!
Speed Healing
Dry It Out
Be Patient

Written by Maura Banar

18 December, 2018

Whether you popped it or it started to ooze on its own, your pimple is on its way out. Unfortunately, while the redness and swelling are fading, the discolored, raised scab can be just as unsightly as the pimple was.

Naturally, you want the scab gone ASAP, but one wrong move and you could make things much worse. Treat acne scabs with care, keep them clean and help speed healing, but don't try to remove a scab before it's ready 1.

Keep It Clean

Wash the affected area twice daily with an antibacterial soap or acne cleanser, available at your local pharmacy. With a clean washcloth, cleanse the skin gently, using a circular motion.

Rinse away the soap with warm water and pat dry with another clean washcloth. Always use a clean washcloth, because bacteria can be transmitted by one that has already been used and can cause new acne to appear.

Wash the affected area twice daily with an antibacterial soap or acne cleanser, available at your local pharmacy.
With a clean washcloth, cleanse the skin gently, using a circular motion.

Don't Touch!

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Whatever you do, do not try to pick off the acne scab before it is ready to come off. Not only will you delay healing, but you will increase the chance of long-term scarring. Also, avoid touching or scratching the surrounding areas.

If you have an itch you can't resist, take a clean dry washcloth and gently dab the area that itches. Keep in mind that scratching of any kind can cause trauma and make the skin become red and irritated, so use the least amount of pressure with the washcloth.

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Whatever you do, do not try to pick off the acne scab before it is ready to come off.
Keep in mind that scratching of any kind can cause trauma and make the skin become red and irritated, so use the least amount of pressure with the washcloth.

Speed Healing

Moist heat helps healing by improving blood flow to the area. Apply a warm moist compress to the scabs for five minutes twice a day. Use a clean washcloth that has been dampened with warm water and hold it gently against the scab. The moisture and heat also help to soften and loosen the scabs.

Moist heat helps healing by improving blood flow to the area.
Use a clean washcloth that has been dampened with warm water and hold it gently against the scab.

Dry It Out

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Apply a topical acne cream to the affected areas twice daily after cleansing. Use a cream that contains either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Both help accelerate healing and keep the areas dry.

Using topical cream will also dry out the scab faster, making it fall off quickly. Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying acne cream, as dirty hands can transmit bacteria and dirt.

Apply a topical acne cream to the affected areas twice daily after cleansing.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying acne cream, as dirty hands can transmit bacteria and dirt.

Be Patient

How fast you can get rid of an acne scab depends on the deepth and severity of the wound. Trying to remove it before it's ready to come off can reopen the wound, and you'll be back where you started. Be patient, and your skin will be back to normal in no time.