How to remove tar from the skin

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This article was co-written by Mohiba Tareen, MD. Mohiba Tareen is a dermatologist and founder of Tareen Dermatpogy based in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed her medical degree at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha society. During her time as a resident in dermatology at Cpumbia University in New York City, she won the New York Dermatological Society’s Conrad Stritzler Award and appeared in The New England Journal of Medicine. Tareen then completed a doctoral program specializing in skin surgery, laser and cosmetic dermatology.

There are 20 references cited in this article that you can see at the bottom of the page.

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Tar stains on the skin can be painful both literally and figuratively. You might think that only people who do construction or home repair work get tar. But you can also get tar in other situations, like going to the beach. ^{[1] X Research Source} Tar is very sticky and often difficult to clean. In some cases, tar can burn the skin or cause wounds that require medical attention. You can remove tar from your skin by performing first aid, applying ice, and cleaning any remaining stains.

Table of Contents

Take first aid measures for tar-affected skin

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Quickly splash cold water on the tar-affected skin. Place the tar area under cold running water. If the tar area is large, you can stand under a cold shower. ^{[2] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to source} Soak or run water over tar-affected skin for at least 20 minutes. ^{[3] X Source of Research} This step can help relieve the skin burning while you decide whether to seek medical attention or get rid of the tar at home. ^{[4] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

Avoid using very cold water or ice while you decide on your next course of action. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

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Seek immediate medical attention. Although rare, tar can burn the skin and damage the skin underneath. ^{[6] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to the source} When you visit your doctor, you will receive the right care to treat burns or other skin damage caused by tar, relieve pain and discomfort, and optimal skin healing time. You need to seek medical attention right away if:

tar stays hot even with cold water
The tar seems to be burning you
tar covering a large area of skin on the body
tar near the eyes ^{[7] X Research Source}

Apply ice to remove tar from the skin

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Rub with ice to harden the tar. Rub an ice cube or ice pack on the tar area. Continue rubbing until the tar hardens or cracks. This will make it easier to remove the tar and treat damage or clean up stains. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Stop applying ice if the skin starts to get too cold and wait a few minutes to prevent frostbite or frostbite. ^{[11] X Research Source}

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Peel off the hardened or cracked tar layer. Gently peel off the cooled tar from the skin. If the tar cracks, continue to peel off small pieces. The tanning process can cause pain or discomfort as the tiny hairs attached to the tar are pulled out. If it is too painful to remove the tar, you should seek medical attention to reduce damage to the skin. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Continue rubbing ice to harden the tar if it softens again because of body heat.

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Wash the skin. If the tar cannot be removed, wash your skin with a mild soap. Rub soap around the tar area, then rinse with warm water. This step can remove tar chips and residual stains, and also kill bacteria or germs that could cause an infection. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Use household products

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Apply ppysorbate cream. Apply Neosporin (ppymyxin B sulfate-neomycin sulfate-gramicidin) or Tween 80 (ppyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan mono-peate) cream to the tar area. Wait a few minutes for the cream to work, then gently wipe it off with a cloth or wash it with warm water. This is possibly the most effective and safest way to remove tar. These two products have the effect of decomposing tar, almost non-toxic, less pain and damage to the skin. ^{[14] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

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Apply mayonnaise on the tar area. Spread a thick layer of mayonnaise over the cooled 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 any dirt, bacteria, and anything left over. ^{[15] X Research Source}

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Apply household oils to the tar-affected skin. Look for cooking oils or skin oils that are readily available at home. Pour a decent amount of your chosen oil over the tar and surrounding skin. Wait 20 minutes for the oil to work, then gently peel or scrape the tar off the skin. Wash or remove oil and tar with mild soap, clean water and a soft cloth. ^{[16] X Research Source} The following household oils can also remove tar from the skin:

Sunflower oil, can be very effective
Butter
Baby oil
Canola Oil ^{[17] X Research Source}
Coconut Oil ^{[18] X Research Source}
Olive Oil ^{[19] X Research Source}

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Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline cream). Apply a layer of Vaseline cream to the tar and surrounding skin. Wait 5 minutes for the cream to soak into the tar, then gently wipe the cream and tar off the skin. Followed by rinsing the leather to remove any remaining tar and stains. ^{[20] X Research Source}

Reapply Vaseline cream if tar or stains remain on the skin.

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Avoid using harmful chemicals. You’ve probably heard of removing tar from your skin with household products like nail polish remover. You should stay away from anything potentially toxic, as the skin can absorb these products and harm your health. Avoid the following household products to remove tar: ^{[21] X Research Source}

Alcohol
Aceton
Nail polish remover
Fuel
Ether
Gasoline
Andehit

Remove residual tar and stains

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Remove stains with a brush. Tar can leave stains on the skin even when removed. You can use a towel or soft brush to gently rub the skin to remove any remaining tar or stains, then rinse with warm water. ^{[22] X Research Source}

Scrub again if necessary.

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Remove stains with a pumice stone. Gently rub the pumice stone over the tar or stain with a circular motion. Use a mild soap when scrubbing the pumice stone if desired. Rinse the scrub area with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. This can remove residual stains easily and effectively. ^{[23] X Research Sources}

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Use an exfoliating cream. Exfoliating creams can be the solution in the case of tar or stains that are particularly difficult to remove. You can buy or make your own body scrubs. Apply a layer of cream to the affected area and gently rub it on the skin until the tar or stains are gone. ^{[24] X Source of Research} Some exfoliants that you can make your own include: ^{[25] X Source of Research}

Baking soda
Sugar and olive oil or coconut oil
Mixture of salt and almond oil
Blend of finely ground oats and honey

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Go to the doctor. Sometimes you can’t remove the tar on your own, or the skin becomes sensitive 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 from the skin, and apply the right medication. Seek medical attention if:

You cannot remove the tar
The stains are still clinging
Wounds that cause pain or discomfort that won’t go away
Damaged skin exposed to tar

Steps

Take first aid measures for tar-affected skin

Apply ice to remove tar from the skin

Use household products

Remove residual tar and stains

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