From the Guidelines
The best way to care for a wound during the scab stage of healing is to keep it clean and protected with occlusive dressings, allowing it to remain moist and intact, as this results in better wound healing compared to dry dressings. According to the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1, occlusive dressings such as film, petrolatum, hydrogel, and cellulose/collagen dressings are recommended for better wound healing.
When caring for a wound during the scab stage, it is essential to:
- Gently wash around the scab with mild soap and water once daily, being careful not to scrub or soak the scab itself
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly like Vaseline to keep the scab from becoming too dry and cracking
- Cover the wound with a non-stick bandage like Telfa if it's in an area that might get bumped or dirty, changing the bandage daily or when it becomes wet or soiled
- Avoid picking or scratching at the scab, as this can delay healing and increase scarring
- Monitor for signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pain, and seek medical attention if these symptoms occur
It is also important to note that there is no indication that antibiotic or antibacterial dressings improve wound healing or decrease infection rates in clean wounds 1. Therefore, these types of dressings are not recommended for routine use during the scab stage of healing.
In contrast to the example answer, the most recent and highest quality study 1 does not recommend keeping the scab dry, but rather using occlusive dressings to maintain a moist environment, which promotes better wound healing. Additionally, the study does not support the use of antibiotic or antibacterial dressings for clean wounds.
Overall, the key to proper wound care during the scab stage is to maintain a clean, moist, and protected environment, allowing the scab to fall off naturally when healing is complete, which will result in the best cosmetic outcome and reduce the risk of infection.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions clean the affected area apply a small amount of this product (an amount equal to the surface area of the tip of a finger) on the area 1 to 3 times daily may be covered with a sterile bandage The best way to care for a wound during the scab stage of healing is to:
- Clean the affected area
- Apply a small amount of product (such as Neosporin)
- Cover with a sterile bandage 2
From the Research
Wound Care During the Scab Stage
To care for a wound during the scab stage of healing, it is essential to understand the physiological process of wound healing. The scab stage is part of the repair phase, where the body forms a protective barrier to prevent infection and promote healing 3.
Key Considerations
- Keeping the wound clean and dry to prevent infection
- Avoiding picking or scratching the scab, as this can lead to further injury and delay healing
- Applying topical treatments or dressings to promote a moist environment, which can enhance the healing process 4, 5, 6
- Monitoring for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus, and seeking medical attention if necessary
Advanced Wound Dressings
Recent studies have developed innovative wound dressings with properties such as self-healing, tissue adhesiveness, and antibacterial activity 4, 5, 6, 7. These dressings can promote wound healing by preventing bacterial infections, reducing inflammation, and enhancing tissue regeneration.