Scabs most often form when, after injury, the skin creates a hard shell to protect the injured area and prevent further infection or injury. A scab is a hard crust. Healthgrades.com says that "Scabs are the result of new skin growing on damaged skin as it tries to heal." They can occur on the face, scalp, chest, or anywhere else where the skin is damaged. During the healing process, the scab may be slightly itchy or irritating. They are usually unsightly and cause embarrassment, especially when they are visible, for example on the face.
How to cure a pimple on your face?
Fortunately, the skin on the face is well supplied with blood. Here, regenerative processes occur quite quickly, so wounds can heal in a few days if they are provided with suitable conditions for this:
- If you have already squeezed out a pimple, you do not need to touch it with your hands again or try to cover it with foundation (this will prolong the healing process).
- Periodically treat with medications or traditional medicine. The correct choice of methods of influence (we will consider them below) will help heal the sore as soon as possible.
- Support the body with proper nutrition, taking vitamins and maintaining a proper drinking regime.
If possible, if a sore appears on the skin after squeezing out a pimple, you should consult a cosmetologist. A qualified specialist will tell you how to heal the problem area as quickly as possible and will be able to identify possible complications or prevent them.
Causes
There are many reasons that can lead to the formation of crusts as the face is prone to many problems such as acne and other skin conditions. These can range from simple injuries to serious skin conditions or dangerous hidden health conditions.
Pimples or acne
Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a skin condition where sebum produced by the sebaceous glands blocks the hair follicles. This problem is very common during puberty, when there are intense hormonal changes. Acne usually results in the formation of crusts on damaged skin. Their cause is not precisely determined, but experts believe that the main reason is an increase in the level of the hormone androgen. Acne can cause scabs of skin anywhere on the body, including the face. Types of pimples that can cause crusting include pustules, whiteheads, acne, papules, nodules and cysts. They usually cause sores or lesions that may form scabs during the healing stage. There are many medications that a dermatologist may recommend for treatment, including skin cream as well as other treatments.
Scratches
Conditions that may encourage a person to scratch their facial skin can also trigger this problem. Constant scratching damages skin tissue or even causes bleeding. As the wound begins to heal, scabs may form. Factors or conditions that can lead to chronic scratching include persistent itching from lesions or rashes on the face. They can be caused by infections, dryness, allergic reactions, skin conditions, etc. When the skin on your face is itchy, you can try using mild natural remedies to relieve the itching. The damage can lead to serious infections or very painful sores, and therefore a lot of scabs.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition in which the body's immune system attacks healthy skin cells. According to Webmd.com, in psoriasis, “cells multiply 10 times faster than normal.” The reasons why this occurs are not clear, but some medical experts link it to other autoimmune diseases.
This disease can attack any area of the body, including the scalp, legs, chest, back, face and others. It causes irritation and itching and can be very painful, especially when the skin cracks and bleeds as a result of the lesion. The itchy sensation can lead to damage, which contributes to the formation of scabs. On the other hand, psoriasis lesions also form crusts during the healing process.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
This is a common skin condition that often begins before the child is 1 year old and goes away with age in most cases, but not always. The main symptoms of eczema are dryness, redness and itching, and cracks and then crusts may form.
There are many factors that can affect the appearance of eczema, such as dryness, irritants, allergies and infections. It causes many lesions that form scabs as they heal.
Autoimmune disorder
The American Autoimmune Disease Association (AARDA) says these disorders develop when the immune system, which protects the body from disease, decides that healthy cells are foreign and tries to kill them. Depending on the type of autoimmune disorder a person suffers from, it may cause the organ to grow or function unusually. There are many types of these diseases, and many have similar symptoms, making diagnosis difficult. Common autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, pernicious anemia, vitiligo, celiac disease, scleroderma, inflammatory bowel disease, Hashimoto's disease and psoriasis.
Again, the exact cause of autoimmune diseases is unknown, but may depend on the following factors:
- Bacteria or viral infections
- Drugs
- Chemical irritants
- Environmental irritants.
They can cause itching or lesions that cause crusting.
Maxillofacial trauma
Injury
This type of injury is defined as any injury to the face, upper jawbone, lower jaw, cheeks, nose, or forehead. Common causes include penetrating wounds, car accidents, violence, and sports injuries or wounds. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, or bleeding. Other consequences may include missing teeth, double vision and deformities. As bruises or wounds heal, scabs form.
Bacterial infections
Impetigo is one of the bacterial infections that causes crusts for a long time.
There is a wide range of bacterial infections that can lead to an itchy rash on the face. They can be caused by different types of bacteria. Irritation from them will cause scratches and, consequently, scarring. They can also cause serious skin damage. Common bacterial infections that contribute to this problem include:
- Folliculitis
- Ritter's disease (scalded skin syndrome) in infants
- Toxic shock syndrome
- Phlegmon
- Erysipelas
- Impetigo is a bacterial infectious disease of the superficial layers of the skin, which occurs most often in children aged 2-6 years or athletes participating in contact sports (infected from each other).
- Scarlet fever.
Dry facial skin
According to Medicinenet.com, “itching is one of the most common symptoms of dry skin.” Dryness is a lack of water in the surface layer of the skin. It can cause severe itching. This skin condition is more common in older people. Dry skin can cause complications such as rashes, eczema and bacterial infections. This can also lead to cracking and destruction, and then the formation of crusts. The condition is always mild, but can be very severe, especially when it comes to bacterial infections. The most effective treatments include corticosteroids, anti-scar lotions and creams. In cases of bacterial infections, antibiotics may be used.
Allergic reactions
This is an abnormal way the body responds to a foreign substance. These can include certain foods, medications, plants, dust, pollen, insect bites and some pets. Allergies have many symptoms, but the most important one in this case is a red, itchy rash that can lead to sores and scabs. The best treatment for this condition is antihistamines.
Other reasons
Other less common or indirect causes of this problem include the following: lupus, HIV, stress and anxiety, and cancer.
In general, besides injuries, anything that causes itching, rashes and lesions can lead to this problem. The most important thing is a correct diagnosis, which will reveal the associated underlying causes and the correct treatment.
What to anoint with to make it go away quickly?
There are many recommendations from alternative medicine specialists that will help you quickly heal acne wounds in different parts of the body. A good result can be achieved using:
- Aspirin. Its tablets need to be crushed, diluted with a small amount of water and applied to the problem area. When this mass dries, you should wash it off with warm water without putting undue pressure on the injured skin.
- Aloe. Cut a leaf of this plant and wipe the problem area with the cut several times a day. This remedy will not only help cure sores, it can also be used to help the scabs fall off as quickly as possible.
- Hydrogen peroxide. Mix the most common baby powder with peroxide until you get a creamy mass. Use for spot application on wounds. Use 1-2 r. in a day. After drying, this product does not need to be washed off; it should simply be shaken off with a cotton swab.
- Tea tree oils. This product should be applied to the sores so that they go away as quickly as possible.
- Calendula tinctures. For accelerated treatment of sores, it is worth diluting 2 tsp. of this product in 1 tbsp. water and use the resulting solution to wipe your face.
You should not use several medications and folk remedies at once. Even the mildest of them in this case can only disrupt the condition of the epidermis and slow down recovery.
What to do if you squeeze out acne?
Sometimes, even while squeezing out a pimple, it becomes clear that nothing good will come of this idea. If there is a visible sore or noticeable redness, this could potentially become an even bigger problem than the pimple itself. You need to act quickly and treat this area:
- Hydrogen peroxide.
- Miramistin.
- Chlorhexidine, etc.
You should not use alcohol solutions of herbs or alcohol itself for primary treatment; it is also better to refrain from using iodine. Such an initiative may result in the appearance of an indelible dark spot that is ingrained into the skin.
Sometimes a sore on the face or body after squeezing out pimples remains for a long time and does not want to disappear. If you have severely picked at the skin, you will now have to resort to more serious means of targeted action.
Causes and factors of facial seborrhea
The main provocateur of seborrheic dermatitis on the face is a fungus of the Pityrosporum ovale type, which is present in every person, only in an inactive form.
Decreased immunity and excess sebum secretion leads to its active reproduction. Therefore, if you discover a seborrheic crust on your face, you should definitely contact a dermatologist to find out and eliminate the causes of its occurrence.
Internal causes of seborrheic dermatosis of the scalp:
- Parkinson's disease;
- Disorders in the functioning of the nervous system;
- Epilepsy;
- Malfunctions of the endocrine system;
- Diseases of the immune system and infectious nature;
- Impaired glucose tolerance of any type;
- Lack of zinc or vitamin PP;
- Genetic predisposition.
External causes of facial dermatitis:
- Hyperhidrosis;
- Improper diet;
- Frequent stressful situations that provoke psychological disorders;
- Hypothermia of the body;
- Chronic lack of sleep;
- Incorrectly selected or low-quality facial skin care products.
Important! One of the most serious causes of seborrheic dermatitis on the face is a tumor of the adrenal glands or malignant formations of the gastrointestinal tract and reproductive system. Therefore, a thorough diagnosis and examination of the body is needed to exclude these factors before starting treatment for crusts on the skin.
Related article:
Contact dermatitis on the hands
Can it be dried and reduced?
If you pick a pimple on your body or face too hard, the sore may remain on the skin for several weeks. Such an inflamed area brings enormous discomfort and is potentially dangerous - pathogenic microflora can easily enter the body through it and cause, at best, local suppuration, and at worst, spread with the bloodstream to different parts of the body. Therefore, to combat such diseases, doctors most often recommend using effective local medications:
- Synthomycin ointment or Syntomycin liniment. This is a budget medicine that will perfectly suppress the activity of pathogenic bacteria, which will in turn help eliminate inflammation and speed up healing. The drug should be used 2 times. for a day.
- Retinoic ointment. This medicine, unlike the previous version, does not contain an antibiotic, but isotretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A. This ointment should be applied to the problem area in a thin layer twice a day.
- Boro Plus Cream. This medicine contains only natural ingredients and has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. In addition, the drug activates skin restoration. You need to apply this product in a thin layer for at least 2 rubles. per day (more often if possible).
- Zinc preparations - zinc ointment, salicylic-zinc paste, Curiosin gel, etc. Such products perfectly dry out pimples, neutralize inflammation and have a disinfecting effect.
- Special medications for acne - Skinoren, Zinerit, Baziron, etc.
Usually, when using any of the selected products, the inflammation subsides after 1-2 applications and the wound gradually begins to heal. It is worth considering that each medicine can provoke reactions of individual intolerance - allergies.
How to get rid of back pain?
A sore on the back, of course, brings less aesthetic discomfort than a pimple mark on the face. However, it can turn into a serious problem - it can become inflamed and even fester. To make the pain go away faster, you can:
- Get soap with tar and use it every evening for hygiene procedures. This remedy, by the way, will help prevent the formation of new acne. But you shouldn’t rub your back with a rough washcloth; it’s better to give preference to a soft sponge.
- Treat with antiseptics - the already mentioned Miramistin or Chlorhexidine.
- Lubricate it with drying, antiseptic and wound-healing agents. A good effect can be achieved by using sulfur or zinc ointment, as well as Erythromycin and Syntomycin ointments.
- Lubricate with acne medications, for example, Skinoren or Curiosin.
If the sore does not seem to go away, despite all the measures taken, it is better to see a dermatologist. Non-healing wounds on the body are a rather alarming symptom.
Treatment of seborrhea on the scalp
If, during the examination of the patient, a scab on the scalp was detected, the following agents must be included in the course of therapy:
- Sulsena shampoo
Shampoos and gels for skin fungus - “Nizoral”, “Sulsena”, “Kelual DS”, “Ketoconazole”, are prescribed in courses of at least 2 weeks; - Antiseptics - products such as tar soap, tea tree essence, and zinc paste have worked well for seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp;
- Ointments and creams for seborrhea - “Zinocap”, “Advantan”, “Skin-Cap”.
The whole essence of therapy for scabs on the skin of the face and head due to seborrheic dermatitis comes down to stopping the inflammatory process, disinfecting fungal-affected areas of the skin, gently and quickly removing keratinized particles, moisturizing it and reducing peeling.
Video about the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis on the face
What to do if they don’t heal for a long time?
If a sore on the forehead, cheek or back does not want to heal after squeezing out a pimple, perhaps it is still worth showing it to a specialist dermatologist or at least a cosmetologist. In the arsenal of an experienced person there will be tools that will help speed up tissue regeneration. At home, to lubricate the wound without severe symptoms of inflammation, you can use:
- Cream Bepanten. This medicine is based on dexpanthenol, a derivative of vitamin B5. Its use perfectly stimulates regenerative processes and has an additional positive effect on skin health.
- Gel Solcoseryl. This medication has a rather unusual composition (the component is obtained from the blood of calves) and is widely used in cosmetology, surgery, etc. Its regular application protects tissue, stimulates recovery, accelerates and improves wound healing.
Scar Prevention
To prevent scars from appearing at the site of acne sores, after stopping the inflammatory process, the already mentioned Solcoseryl can be applied to the skin, but a more comprehensive and effective effect will help to achieve:
- The well-known drug Contractubex.
- Zeraderm ointment.
- Kelofibrase cream.
- Gel Dermatix etc.
In order to get results from the use of such medications, it is worth selecting them with the help of a qualified specialist. A cosmetologist or dermatologist will assess the depth of damage to the epidermis and suggest which products will cope with the problem in a particular case.
What is facial seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis, depending on its form and symptoms, is also called eczema. With seborrheic dermatitis, the skin looks like a crust. In addition to the face, the inflammatory process can spread to the scalp, as well as the back and chest.
Seborrheic dermatitis on the neck
The reason for the risk of expanding the area of skin lesions is that these areas of the body are supplied with a large amount of sebaceous glands. Seborrhea may even appear as skin crusts on the eyelids. With seborrheic dermatitis, the skin looks like a crust.
How to speed up the healing of herpes?
With herpes, unsightly sores appear on the skin - blisters, which are replaced by unpleasant crusts. Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely eliminate the virus that causes the disease. However, there are methods that will speed up the course of the disease and help the skin recover faster. In particular, doctors recommend treating herpes with:
- Antiviral drugs for internal use.
- Antiviral ointments for topical application.
- Taking immunomodulators (Viferon or Interferon, Imunofan, herbal medicines - with echinacea, etc.).
You should not apply cold or heat to the rash sites, this can only lead to an even greater spread of painful blisters.
What ointment should I use to remove rashes?
It is best to lubricate the elements of herpes using ointments with antiviral components, for example with:
- Acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir. Such ointments suppress the replication of the virus; it is advisable to use them at the first signs of the development of the disease - with itching and burning, even in the absence of blisters.
- Acyclovir in combination with hydrocortisone. This ointment is called Zovirax Duo-Active and can not only suppress the activity of the virus, but also quickly neutralize pain and discomfort.
- Acyclovir in combination with interferon and lidocaine. This ointment is called Herpferon, and it helps stimulate the immune system, suppress the reproduction of the virus, and neutralize pain and itching. It is believed that its use prevents the formation of new rash elements and helps speed up healing.
The use of ointments really helps to improve the condition of a patient with herpes. But still they do not speed up the healing process too much.
In order for wounds to heal easily after an illness, it is important not to injure the crusts left after the bursting of the bubbles. Otherwise, scars may remain on the skin.
