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What is a scab? |
by Kate Simmons >> more about the author
The next time you get a cut and a scab forms, count how many days it takes for the scab to fall off. Each day that passes, know that some very important healing is taking place. Careful not to pick at that scab and interrupt the healing process! Soon the healed skin underneath will be revealed!
When you cut your finger, does it bleed forever? Of course not! This is because your body quickly begins the work of healing the wound! For starters, cells in your blood called platelets begin sticking together and working to plug the cut.
A protein called fibrin forms, and its stringy nature allows it to stretch over the cut and bridge the gap created by the wound. A protective clot is created, and it keeps blood and other fluids from leaking! When this clot dries out, a scab is formed. Scabs are often dark red or brown, and they feel crusty! A scab is like a protective shield for your wounded skin.
While it may be tempting to pick at scabs, remember that they are covering an area of skin that needs healing. Picking at a scab will make the healing time longer and possibly cause an infection or the formation of a scar. It’s best to let scabs do their important job of shielding the skin that your body is repairing! Remember, that scab will fall off when it’s good and ready!
The next time you get a cut and a scab forms, count how many days it takes for the scab to fall off. Each day that passes, know that some very important healing is taking place. Careful not to pick at that scab and interrupt the healing process! Soon the healed skin underneath will be revealed!
