Content

• Steps

The tar that gets on the skin can be painful both literally and figuratively. You may think that only people who do the construction or repair work get tar. But you can also get tar in other situations, like going to the beach. The tar is very sticky and is often difficult to clean. In some cases, tar can burn the skin or cause wounds that require medical attention. You can get rid of the tar in your skin by taking first aid, applying ice, and cleaning up any remaining stains.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Take first aid measures for areas with tar

1. 

   Quickly flush cold water onto the tarry area. Place the tarry area under cold, running water. If the tarry area is large, stand under a cold shower. Soak or run water over the tarry area for at least 20 minutes. This step can help relieve the burning skin while you decide whether to seek medical attention or remove the tar at home.
   • Avoid using very cold water or ice while you decide on your next action.

2. 

   
   
   Seek immediate medical attention. Although rare, tar can burn the skin and damage the underlying skin layer. When you visit a doctor, you will get proper care to treat burns or other skin damage caused by tar, reduce pain and discomfort, and heal your skin optimally. You should seek immediate medical attention if:
   • The tar stays hot even after a splash of cold water
   • The tar seems to be burning you
   • The tar covers a wide area of ​​the body
   • tar near eyes

3. 

   
   
   Take off any clothing or jewelry that is on the dark print area. Remove any clothing or fabric covering the contaminated skin. This step will help dissipate heat and limit burns, skin damage or other discomfort. Do not try to pull clothing or other objects out of the skin to prevent further damage. If undressable, seek immediate medical attention.

4. 

   
   
   Avoid relying on the tar on the skin. Do not rely on the tar on your skin until it has cooled down. You need to let the tar cool completely before proceeding to reduce the risk of damaging the skin below and ensure the wound heals properly. advertisement

Part 2 of 4: Apply ice to remove tar from skin

1. 

   Rub ice to harden the tar. Rub an ice cube or ice pack over the tarry skin. Continue rubbing until the tar has hardened or cracked. This will make it easier to remove the tar and to treat the injury or remove stains.
   • Stop rubbing the ice if your skin starts to get too cold and wait a few minutes to prevent cold burns or frostbite.

2. 

   Peel off the hardened or cracked tar. Gently peel off the chilled tar on the skin. If the tar breaks, continue to peel it into small pieces. The tar removal process can be painful or uncomfortable when the fine hairs attached to the tar are pulled out. If you find it painful to peel the tar, you should seek medical attention to reduce damage to your skin.
   • Continue rubbing ice to harden the tar if it softens due to body temperature.

3. 

   Rinse skin. If you cannot remove the tar, wash your skin with mild soap. Rub soap around the tarry area, then rinse with warm water. This step can remove debris and residual dirt, and also kill bacteria or germs that can cause the wound to become infected. advertisement

Part 3 of 4: Use of household products

1. 

   Apply polysorbate cream. Apply Neosporin (polymyxin B sulfate-neomycin sulfate-gramicidin) cream or Tween 80 (polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan mono-oleate) to the tarry area. Wait a few minutes for the cream to work, then gently wipe it off with a cloth or rinse with warm water. This can be the most effective and safest way to get rid of tar.These two products have the effect of breaking down tar, almost non-toxic, causing little pain and damage to the skin.

2. 

   Spread the mayonnaise on the tarry skin. Spread a thick layer of mayonnaise over the chilled tar. Let the mayonnaise soak into the skin for at least 30 minutes, then gently wipe the mayonnaise and skin with a cloth or soft brush, finally rinsing away stains, bacteria, and everything left.

3. 

   Apply household oils to the tarry areas. Look for household oils or skin lotions. Pour a fair amount of your chosen oil onto the tar and the surrounding skin. Wait 20 minutes for the oil to take effect, then gently peel or shave the tar out of the skin. Wash or wipe off oil and tar with mild soap, clean water, and a soft cloth. The following household oils can also remove tar from the skin:
   • Sunflower oil, which can be very effective
   • Butter
   • Baby oil
   • Rapeseed oil
   • Coconut oil
   • Olive oil

4. 

   Apply oil wax (Vaseline cream). Apply a layer of Vaseline cream to the tar and the surrounding skin. Wait 5 minutes for the cream to soak into the tar, then gently wipe off the cream and tar from the skin. Next is rinsing the skin to remove tar and remaining dirt.
   • Reapply Vaseline if there is tar or stains on your skin.

5. 

   Avoid harmful chemicals. You may have heard about removing tar from your skin with household products like nail polish remover. You should stay away from anything potentially toxic, as your skin can absorb these products and cause harm to your health. Avoid using the following household products to remove tar:
   • Alcohol
   • Acetone
   • Nail polish remover
   • Fuel
   • Ether
   • Gasoline
   • Andrew
   advertisement

Part 4 of 4: Removing leftover tar and stains

1. 

   Remove stains with a brush. The tar can leave a stain on the skin even if it is removed. You can use a soft cloth or brush to gently scrub the skin to remove any remaining tar or dirt, then rinse with warm water.
   • Reapply if necessary.

2. 

   Remove stains with pumice stone. Gently rub the pumice stone onto the tar or stain in a circular motion. Use mild soap when rubbing the pumice stone if desired. Rinse the area with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. This way you can easily and effectively remove any remaining stains.

3. 

   Use an exfoliating cream. An exfoliating cream can be the solution in cases where tar or stains are particularly difficult to remove. You can buy or make your own exfoliating cream. Apply a layer of cream to the affected area and gently rub it over the skin until the tar or stains disappear. Some exfoliating products you can make on your own include:
   • Baking soda
   • Sugar and olive or coconut oil
   • A mixture of salt and almond oil
   • Mix of smooth ground oats and honey

4. 

   Go to the doctor. Sometimes you are unable to remove the tar on your skin, or the sensitive skin after removing the tar. In this case, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor can diagnose potential problems, remove tar or stains on your skin and apply appropriate medication. Seek medical attention if:
   • You cannot remove tar
   • Stains still sticking
   • The wound causes pain or discomfort that doesn't go away
   • Skin exposed to tar is damaged
   advertisement