What Causes Black Scab After Treating Brown Blister On Face?

Posted on Thu, 23 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 23 Jul 2015 Answered on

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a brown spot on my face treated with liquid nitrogen to remove a brown spot a week ago. It blistered, the blister broke and now I have a black scab. I am a 68 year old Caucasian woman with fair skin. I have not put anything on it. Should I? Will it scar?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Use a topical antibacterial i.e 2% mupirocin ointment

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have taken note of your query and I have understood it.

Blistering and scabing are expected after treatment with liquid nitrogen.
You may apply a topical antibacterial ointment i.e 2% mupirocin ointment, twice daily, till the scab falls off. Keeping it moist with mupirocin ointment would aid in faster re-epithelialization as well as prevent any chances of bacterial infection.
It should not scar though there may be transient pigmentary changes like hypopigmentation after the scab falls off.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar