Blood platelets form a plug to prevent blood loss and fibrin builds a web over the wound to create scabs. Scabs protect the wound from contaminants, but should be allowed to fall off naturally to prevent scarring. Obsessive scab picking can cause physical damage and should be treated professionally.
The human body has many tricks up its sleeve when it comes to healing itself, including scabbing a wound. Blood is a chemically very complex substance and many of these substances play a crucial role immediately after a superficial injury. Blood platelets immediately pack into the wound itself and form a plug, better known as a blood clot. This clot can prevent or reduce further blood loss, but it cannot last forever. As more platelets build up around the wound and white blood cells attack the opportunistic germs, a new substance called fibrin begins to build a web over the wound.
It is this combination of platelets, fibrin and plasma that combine to create scabs. They work as protective caps on the wound that prevent dirt, germs and other contaminants from entering the “workplace”. As the platelets dry out, the crust usually takes on a deep rusty brown color and develops crusty edges. It usually stays firmly in place until the underlying skin has been repaired and new skin cells have appeared. If it is removed prematurely, the revealed skin may appear red and oozing. A new scab may grow back, but the new skin often develops scar tissue.
The scabs should be allowed to dry completely and fall off naturally, although this is often easier said than done. The underlying skin can become very irritated or itchy during the healing process, which can cause the sufferer to scratch or claw. Some dressing companies even promote the use of specially treated adhesive products that prevent crusting. The treated bandage is believed to absorb fluids and blood products that would normally have frozen. Whether or not someone chooses to use bandages on a wound or allow them to heal naturally, the key is to keep the area protected from infection and dirt.
There are a number of people who suffer from an obsessive-compulsive disorder that involves scab picking. Similar to compulsive self-mutilation, obsessive making and picking can seriously damage a sufferer’s social and professional life if not dealt with professionally. Compulsive picking of scabs can also cause a variety of disfiguring physical ailments, so it may be helpful to use antiseptics containing an anesthetic such as lidocaine to reduce the temptation to pick at or forcefully remove them.
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