I think maybe it depends on where you got the salve. The instructions that came with my salve said to apply once, leave it on for 24 hours. Then remove salve, clean with hydrogen peroxide, coat with vasoline, and cover. Important to keep it covered. The longer you apply salve, the longer it takes for the wound to heal. The important thing is cleaning it twice daily and keeping vasoline on the edges. That is what helps the eschar to separate and come out.