Home
/
NowPatient Blog
/
How to Get Rid of Acne Scabs

How to Get Rid of Acne Scabs

Stefano Mirabello NowPatientGreen tick
Medically reviewed by Stefano Mirabello, B.Pharm
Written by

Created
March 28, 2025 (Current Version)
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as popping a pimple. When you know you shouldn’t do it, it just feels so good! But it’s the worst thing you can do. Especially if you’ve got acne. If you fall into temptation and you do pop and pick, your pimples can bleed and become unsightly scabs. It can happen to the best of us. And if it’s happened to you, there are things you can do to help. Here we explain how to get rid of scabs on your face and how to heal scabs on your face from picking your pimples.

What causes facial scabbing?

Scabs might not look too appealing, but they’re a good thing. Scabbing is your body’s natural way of stopping bleeding and helping you heal. And this includes scabs on the face.

You Might Be Interested in These Doctor-Approved Self-Pay Treatments

  • Aklief Cream Product Image

    Aklief

    • Treat Acne with Aklief
    • FREE consultation included
    From £46.99
  • A box of Dianette on a white background.

    Dianette

    • Treat Acne with Dianette
    • FREE consultation included
    From £11.84
  • A box of Duac on a white background.

    Duac

    • Treat Acne with Duac
    • FREE consultation included
    From £22.89
  • Oxytracaine tablets 250mg, containing Oxytetracycline.

    Oxytetracycline

    • Treat Acne with Oxytetracycline
    • FREE consultation included
    From £31.99
  • Lymecycline capsules, hard are designed for SEO optimization.

    Lymecycline

    • Treat Acne with Lymecycline
    • FREE consultation included
    From £15.89
  • Treclin

    • Treat Acne with Treclin
    • FREE consultation included
    From £39.89
  • A white box with blue text displaying the word "Epiduo".

    Epiduo

    • Treat Acne with Epiduo
    • FREE consultation included
    From £32.90
  • Tetralysal 300mg medication pack

    Tetralysal 300

    • Treat Acne with Tetralysal 300
    • FREE consultation included
    From £17.39
  • Erythromycin-Zinc-40-12mg medication pack

    Erythromycin/zinc acetate

    • Treat Acne with Erythromycin/zinc Acetate
    • FREE consultation included
    From £29.60
  • A box of "Aknemycin Plus," a renowned acne treatment, contains 25ml of a 4% erythromycin and 0.025% tretinoin cutaneous solution, manufactured by Almirall. Perfect for holistic skin care.

    Aknemycin Plus

    • Treat Acne with Aknemycin Plus
    • FREE consultation included
    From £30.00

When you have a cut, or when you pop or pick at a pimple and you bleed, your blood goes through a chemical change when it meets the air outside your body. Molecules in your blood called platelets would break apart and then stick together. Helped by other substances in your blood, like vitamin K and calcium, this forms a hardened clot called a scab. The scab stops your bleeding and protects your body from infections that could enter through the wound.

How to get rid of acne scabs?

First off, try and resist picking at your scabs. It can be as tempting to pry at your scabs as it is to pop your pimples, but pulling your scabs off can make matters much worse. Scabs are part of your body’s natural healing process. If you disrupt it by picking at them, you can slow your skin’s healing, introduce infections into your skin, and increase the risk of scars forming.

So, other than picking at them, how do you get rid of acne scabs on your face?

The reality is you have to let your body do its thing and allow your scabs to heal naturally. This can take days to weeks as it’s not something that happens overnight. However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t a host of actions you can take to help the healing process along and to reduce the chance of any complications.

How to look after your acne scabs?

So, how can you make acne scabs heal faster? Try the following to help your body heal and naturally get rid of your scabs:

Keep your scabs clean

Keep the skin around your scabs clean and free of dirt and oil to reduce the chances of them getting infected. You can try using a mild face wash or antibacterial wipes.

Keep your skin moisturised

Skin can become tender and irritated around scabs, particularly if you have acne and dry skin from acne treatments. Your skin may fair better, and you may be less tempted to pick at itchy scabs if your skin is properly moisturized. Try a gentle moisturizer. Products that contain aloe vera or tea tree oil may also help the healing process along.

Try a warm compress

A warm compress, either wet or dry (think a face towel that’s been soaked in warm water or heated in a microwave) can do a surprising amount of good. The warmth can help increase the flow of blood through your skin, which can speed up healing. It can feel great too, which can distract from any itching. A wet, warm compress can also help with keeping your skin moisturized too.

Use sunscreen

Protecting skin from strong sunlight can help your scabs clear up faster and can reduce the chances of them leaving scars. You can keep yourself out of the strong sun, but wearing sunscreen even on overcast days can help give you day-round protection.

Apply an antibiotic cream

Topical antibiotic treatments you apply directly to affected skin can kill unwanted bacteria, aiding healing and lowering the risk of infections. These creams will require a prescription for you to purchase them.

Use an acne treatment

Treating the acne that led you to pick your pimples can stop you from getting more scabs, but some acne treatments may even help your skin heal faster. Products that contain retinoids (types of vitamin A) can promote faster healing during skin cell regeneration by speeding up the process. You can buy some acne treatments that contain retinoids over the counter, but many of the stronger retinoid treatments are prescription only.

Try Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid. It can kill bacteria, reduce inflammation in your skin, and can promote faster healing. Tretinoin is a scientifically proven skincare treatment that can fight acne and help your skin heal. It is also sold under the brand Retin A.

How long does it take for a scab to heal on your face?

This can vary by person. Small scabs usually heal within three to seven days, whilst larger ones can take up to two weeks to heal, sometimes longer. Your scabs may heal faster if you keep the affected skin clean, don’t pick at your scabs, and use products like antibacterial, antibiotic, and retinoid topical creams and gels.

Scabs may not look too appealing, but they’re an important part of the body’s natural healing process. You need to let a scab run its course and clear up naturally. Although, with the above tips, you can help ensure this happens as quickly as possible and without any complications.

Sources

Medical Disclaimer

NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.

The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.

Now Patient Data Security

Trusted and Certified to Keep Your Data Safe.

Learn moreNow Patient Data Security
Now Patient Data Security

Can I Trust NowPatient

Certified to International Healthcare, Medical Device and Data Security Standards

  • DCB0129 compliance logo
  • DCB0160 compliance-logo
  • DCB3051 compliance logo
  • DTAC certified logo
  • UKCA logo
  • NHS Providing services logo
  • Data security standards exceeded logo
  • NHS digital logo
  • Cyber Essentials logo
  • Cyber essentials plus logo
  • Registered pharmacy 1036487 logo
  • Hipaa compliant logo
  • ISO 27001 logo
  • GDPR Logo
  • ISO 9001 certified logo
  • ISO 13485 certified logo
  • ISO 27001 certified logo
  • Class 1 Medical Device

Medicines Experts

Meet Our Medical Team

We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process

WHY WE BUILT NOWPATIENT

We Are Committed to Helping Everyone, Everywhere Live Healthier Lives

The NowPatient virtual care platform provides you with access to trusted health information, affordable treatments, management of chronic health conditions and continuous monitoring for health risks. NowPatient can be accessed by downloading the App or using your web browser.

Download our app today

NowPatient app on a mobile device

Your Questions Answered

For Your Peace of Mind, We Can Answer Your Questions Quickly

What does NowPatient do?

NowPatient is a digital health-technology platform functioning as both an online pharmacy and telehealth service. Packaged as a Class I software medical device, it’s accessible via web browser or mobile app (iOS and Android), and offers users worldwide on-demand access to virtual consultations, prescription services, and AI-powered health tools.

What It Does

    • NHS Online Pharmacy: Order NHS-approved prescriptions (UK)
    • Drug Savings: Access major US drug-savings programs (coupons, savings cards, manufacturer assistance, Canadian drug savings).
    • Virtual Consultations: Get treated for a wide range of medical conditions by expert clinicians using a secure telehealth link.
    • Medication Management: Set up refill & dose reminders, view private treatment plans, and track chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
  • Health-Monitoring Tools: Use AI-driven assessments for genetic risk tests, home test kits and blood-pressure monitoring.
  • Wellness Insights: Access real-time pollen counts, air-quality data, BMI and type 2 diabetes risk scores, plus comprehensive health-condition information.

Get started today and benefit from Medication RemindersGet Treated PrivatelyNHS Online PharmacyGP Appointment BookingRx Savings CardDrug CouponsUS Drug Savings ProgramsHealth Conditions InformationGenetic TestingHome Test KitsBMI RisksType 2 Diabetes RisksPollen MeterAir Quality Monitor, and lots more!

Our service is operated by experienced medical professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Where is NowPatient located?

NowPatient has offices in the United Kingdom and United States.

In the UK, we are located at:

NowPatient
28 Chipstead Valley Road
Coulsdon
Surrey
CR52RA

In the US, we are located at:

NowPatient
8911 North Capital of Texas Highway
Suite 4200 #1263
78759
Austin, TX

How can I contact NowPatient?

To contact NowPatient, please use the contact form available on the Contact Us page.

Alternatively, if you need to speak to us, you can reach us on the following numbers:

UK telephone number – 020 388 51 500
US telephone number – 1-866-967-1977

Who owns NowPatient?

NowPatient is owned and operated by Infohealth Ltd, a licensed online pharmacy with services spanning the UK, US and Rest of the World. Infohealth Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 04004930 and our registered office is at Lynwood House, 373 – 375 Station Road, Harrow, England, HA1 2AW.

Our website is www.nowpatient.com. Our App is called “NowPatient” and can be downloaded from the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play (for Android devices).

Can you tell me more about your NHS online pharmacy?

NowPatient’s Pharmaceutical services in the UK are provided by Infohealth Limited trading as ‘Infohealth Pharmacy’.

Our dispensing pharmacy is regulated and authorized for internet sales by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), registration number 1036487. You can view our license credentials on the General Pharmaceutical Council website. Our superintendent pharmacist who is responsible for the safe and effective oversight of medicines supplies is Mr Amish Patel (Registration Number 2042705).

Medicines are not ordinary items of commerce. All medicines or healthcare product sales are made under the supervision of a registered pharmacist who is licensed by the GPhC. At all times, we endeavour to provide a professional and transparent service whose primary goal is to ensure that the best interests of the patient are served.

How do I make a complaint?

From time to time, we accept that our service levels may not be up to your expectations. NowPatient welcomes concerns, compliments and complaints as valuable feedback that will help us learn from your experiences and make improvements. Feedback can be provided via our clear and transparent Complaints Procedures.

Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s prescribing services for treatments offered?

Our prescribing services are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). We provide the following regulated activity:

• treatment of disease, disorder, or injury
• transport services, triage, and medical advice are provided remotely
• caring for adults over 65 years old
• caring for adults under 65 years old

NowPatient prescribing services are run by Infohealth Limited. The Clinical Safety Officer and nominated individual is Mr Navin Khosla. Dr Ihtesham Sabri is the Medical Director for NowPatient and is responsible for NowPatient’s prescribing formulary and treatment guidelines, which are used by clinicians for safe and effective prescribing.

Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s US services?

Our head of US services is Dr. Jamie Winn.

You can lower the cost of your prescription medications using our various savings programs which include drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.

What are the steps to booking a live video consultation?

Follow the steps below to book a consultation:

How to Book a Consultation With NowPatient
  • Book gp consultation slideshow 1
    1
    Book Consultation
  • Book gp consultation slideshow 2
    2
    Choose Consultation Date
    Next, you’ll be taken to the ‘Consultation Date’ screen, where you can select your preferred consultation date. You can also add any notes that might assist the clinician during your session. Click ‘Continue’ to proceed.
  • Book gp consultation slideshow 3
    3
    Choose Consultation Time
    You will now see the ‘Consultation Time’ screen. Select your preferred time for the consultation and then click ‘Continue’.
  • Book gp consultation slideshow 4
    4
    Choose Clinician
    On the ‘Choose Clinician’ screen, you’ll be able to view available clinicians and select the one you prefer. You can filter the list by gender and spoken languages. Once you’ve made your selection, click ‘Continue’.
  • Book gp consultation slideshow 5
    5
    Booking Confirmation
    You will now arrive at the ‘Booking Confirmation’ screen, where you can review a summary of your booking. This screen also includes an advisory titled ‘Pre-consultation Requirements’, which offers helpful tips on how to prepare for your live video consultation. Click ‘Continue’ to proceed.
  • Book gp consultation slideshow 6
    6
    Safety Information & Reminders
    You’ll be asked to provide safety information, including: - The address where you will be during the consultation - Emergency contact details You can also opt to receive an SMS reminder 30 minutes before your scheduled video consultation.
  • Book gp consultation slideshow 7
    7
    Final Confirmation
    Click ‘Confirm Booking’ to complete the process. A pop-up will appear to confirm your booking, and you will be redirected to your account homepage. You’ll also receive confirmation via In-App and Push notifications.

If I place an order, how do I check out?

Follow the steps below to checkout:

How to Checkout on NowPatient
  • Go to Cart using Account Navigation - order
    1
    Go to Cart using Account Navigation
  • If there is an NHS service item in the Cart - An NHS Exemption Declaration will Pop Up - order
    2
    If there is an NHS service item in the Cart - An NHS Exemption Declaration will Pop Up
  • Complete the NHS Exemption Declaration for each NHS service item - order
    3
    Complete the NHS Exemption Declaration for each NHS service item
  • Select ‘Checkout’ - order
    4
    Select ‘Checkout’
  • Select Delivery Address - order
    5
    Select Delivery Address
  • Select Delivery Method - order
    6
    Select Delivery Method
  • Confirm Billing Address - order
    7
    Confirm Billing Address
  • Review Order - order
    8
    Review Order
  • 9
    Submit Payment
  • Order Completed - order
    10
    Order Completed
  • Return to Account Homepage - order
    11
    Return to Account Homepage

Is NowPatient legit and can I trust information from NowPatient?

Yes. NowPatient provides trustworthy and accessible clinical, health education and prescription services. We are also trusted by the NHS to deliver clinical and NHS repeat prescription dispensing across the whole of England. In the United States, we work with over 65,000 pharmacies to deliver considerable costs savings for our users.

NowPatient is operated by experienced licensed medical professionals in the United Kingdom and United States. Our Medical Team can be found here.

Our service is trusted by thousands of patients worldwide. You can read their reviews on our Trustpilot:

NowPatient Trustpilot

Does NowPatient have insurance in place for the services it provides?

Yes. NowPatient is fully insured to provide pharmacy & prescribing services. Insurance not only provides peace of mind but also provides an effective safety net for both you and our clinicians.

Why is it important to choose an online pharmacy and telehealth service that is insured?

Insurance is more than just a financial safeguard, it is a signal of legitimacy and accountability.

We insure our services, so that it:

  • Shows you that we are compliant with all laws and industry standards in the markets that we operate.
  • Shows you that we are committed to standards of professionalism.
  • Reinforces your confidence that you are dealing with a reputable provider.

Who insures your services and which services are insured?

We are insured by the National Pharmacy Association in the UK.

The scope of the services covered include:

  • dispensing of prescriptions
  • telehealth prescribing services.

In addition, all of the clinicians that operate on our platform have their personal indemnity insurance & scope of clinical practice validated and checked before they are able to provide services.

What are NowPatient’s opening hours?

Our office hours are:

UK – Monday-Friday 9am-6pm GMT
US – Monday-Friday 8am-5pm EST

Please note that we are closed at weekends.

In the event of a medical life-threatening emergency please call:

UK – 999
US – 911

In the event of a medical emergency which is not life-threatening please call:

UK – 111