What is a scab made of?
A scab is a dried-up blood clot. It’s a combination of:
- Platelets: These are tiny components of your blood that help with clotting. Platelets are your body’s natural bandage to stop bleeding.
- Red blood cells: Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, deliver oxygen to the tissues in your body.
- White blood cells: White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are responsible for protecting your body from infection.
- Fibrin: This is a blood protein that’s sticky and looks like long strings. It forms a fibrous mesh that stops blood flow.
- Plasma: This is the liquid component of blood.
Sometimes, a scab may have tiny fibers in it, like small hairs or clothing fibers. This can happen if they stick to the blood before it dries completely and forms a scab.
Bạn đang xem: Scab
What color are scabs?
Scabs are usually dark red or brown. The color can lighten as the wound heals and new skin under the scab develops. But scabs can be other colors for certain reasons:
- White scabs: When a scab turns white, it’s usually due to moisture within the scab. The normal red or brown color of a scab can change when it’s exposed to water from a bath or shower, for example.
- Yellow scab: A scab may have a yellowish color if there’s serous drainage at the healing site. Serous fluid (serous exudate) is a yellow, transparent liquid that aids the healing process. A scab may also appear yellow if the wound is forming an infection.
- Green scab: A green scab typically means the wound is infected. With an infection, yellow or green pus can build up under the scab (and possibly ooze out), changing its color. You’ll likely have other symptoms of an infection, like excessive redness or skin discoloration and pain.
Why do scabs itch?
Xem thêm : What Are the Types of Nuts Containing Vitamin D?
Scabs may itch as a natural part of the healing process. Your body releases certain cells (like histamine) when you experience an injury. This can cause inflammation and itchiness. Dry skin around the wound and scab may also cause itchiness or make the itchiness more intense.
Try your best to avoid scratching a scab and the area around it. If you break open your skin again, it can slow down the healing process and increase your risk for infection. If you have excessive itchiness, talk to your healthcare provider.
Nguồn: https://vuihoctienghan.edu.vn
Danh mục: Info
