Scab (exudate)

scab, medically often too crusted exudate called, can occur in different parts of the body and due to different causes. Scabs can appear in variable dimensions and textures. The main factor here is the cause of the exudate formation.

What is scab

In medicine, scabs are dried secretions, which in most cases are associated with open and inflamed wounds. The body secretes various fluids, which together with the blood sometimes stick the wound together.

On the one hand, scabs are also used to close open wounds and protect against the ingress of germs and bacteria. On the other hand, the liquid on which the scab is based also serves to secrete bacteria and make it easier for the body's own defense cells to get to the wound.

The liquid consists largely of protein and glucose, which together dry out in the air. However, even with closed wounds, exudation can drain below the surface, which can lead to further inflammation and pain. So the formation of the exudate in and of itself is not always a good thing.

causes

In normal cases, severe exudation always occurs when there is inflammation in the body. The size of the wound is usually not that important.

Exudate and therefore scabs can also form on small blackheads, as can of course also be found on large flesh wounds. Incidentally, in most cases a little exudate always forms with open wounds. On the one hand, it serves to close the wound from the outside and, on the other hand, to guide the white blood cells to the focus of the injury and to "nourish" them there.

This is the only way the body can avoid major inflammation as best as possible. However, such an infection cannot always be ruled out. Incidentally, increased inflammation usually also results in greater production of the exudate.

Diseases with this symptom

• Abrasion
• Burn wound
• acne

• Cut
• Bite wound
• Cradle cap

• Bruises
• Laceration
• Chylothorax

Diagnosis & course

If the scab is very strong, it can be assumed that the affected wound has become infected. Sometimes, however, excessive exudate formation can also have other reasons. For example, the fluid is also there to secrete dead or diseased tissue within the wound. If this is not possible, larger quantities of the liquid are formed, which then stick to the skin in the air and dry out.

The exact cause of the scab formation can often only be found out by taking a smear. The best possible treatment can be determined based on the ingredients that can then be detected in the exudate.

Complications

If the scab is too thick, it is a clear sign that the wound has become infected. If more and more bacteria and foreign bodies penetrate the wound, the body increasingly produces wound secretions to flush out the pathogens. Depending on the patient's condition, timely medical wound care and compliance with cleanliness, excessively developed exudate can also have other causes.

If the wound begins to pain and swell acutely, there is a complication. Poor hygiene or negative collagen synthesis are reasons why healing is delayed. To avoid complications, the wound must be treated with an antiseptic solution every day. If this is prevented, for example by improper treatment or incorrect bandaging of the wound, the injured area swells and begins to pain.

If the immune system is weakened, the wound can rupture or even blood poisoning. If the contamination has progressed acutely, antibiotic treatment and surgical intervention take place. The pus is made to drain and removed.

If the scab does not heal well, a bulging connective tissue overgrowth can also occur, which also affects the nearby healthy tissue. This must then also be surgically removed, as such growths, especially in the area of ​​the hand and fingers, impair motor skills.

When should you go to the doctor?

Scabs are usually harmless and do not require medical treatment. A doctor visit is recommended if the scab starts to hurt or is excessively thick and firm. Inflammation may already have developed within the wound and should be treated immediately to avoid further complications. If the wound begins to swell reddish as it progresses, a bacterial infection or other complication may be present.

People with weakened immune systems should see a doctor if the scab keeps tearing open or if blood poisoning is suspected. In the event of severe contamination of the wound, professional removal of the scab and subsequent cleaning of the wound is necessary. A doctor should also be consulted if the scab wound is generally not healing well or a bulging connective tissue has already formed. In general, if the scab does not fall off by itself after a week at the latest, or if pain, redness and itching occur, a doctor must treat the wound.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

Treatment does not treat the scab, but the affected wound. First of all, the exact cause of the inflammation must be found out. The attending physician will then find out how severe the inflammation or the problem is in the present case.

Because antibiotics may have to be used to contain the focus of inflammation. Other popular treatment methods, however, are regular wound cleanings and external supportive applications. For example, by using suitable creams and ointments that support wound healing.

And: If there is a lot of exudate and even pus formation under the surface of the skin, a specialist often has to make a small incision to ensure that the fluid can drain away unhindered.

Outlook & forecast

In the case of wounds, the scab forms in the course of the healing process. As a rule, it is not itself a health complication and therefore does not need to be treated by a doctor. It often happens that the affected area is painful or sensitive to pressure. This is a common symptom. In most cases, the scab will go away in about a week and leave no scars.

If the wound is exposed to an unsanitary condition, inflammation may develop in the wound. This can be recognized by a secretion that is deposited on the wound itself. In this case, a doctor should be consulted as treatment with antibiotics is usually necessary. Usually this treatment is successful and there are no further complications. The wound itself should always be kept clean. Ideally, it is covered with a plaster or wrapped in a bandage. This accelerates the healing of the wound.

The scab itself is not a complication and is a common symptom that occurs as the healing process progresses. Most wounds heal after a few days, in which the scab also disappears.

prevention

The formation of scabs can only be prevented to a very limited extent on wounds. In addition, the incrustation of the wound is not always of a negative nature. What can and should be done is to keep the wound as clean and sterile as possible. In addition, one should always pay attention to whether it is visibly healing well or whether a strong inflammation forms under the surface. If this is the case, the attending physician must be called in immediately. Unnecessary scabs, for example if it spreads widely around the wound, can be carefully removed with clean towels and disinfecting solutions.

You can do that yourself

Various home remedies and measures can help with scabs. The dead tissue can be healed by the external application of olive oil with privet or chamomile. Other medicinal herbs also have a soothing effect on scabs and can be applied to the affected area with a cotton ball. Swelling and painful areas of the skin around the abrasion can be relieved with an ice pack.

Aloe vera and marigold ointment help with irritated skin. Cradle cap can be reduced with fresh air and warm temperatures. It is also important to specifically reduce possible causes such as stress through exercise, meditation or an excursion into the countryside. Cradle cap in babies and toddlers can be removed with gentle agents such as pansy tea.

A poultice made from a tea mixture made from magic shrub leaves, scotch herb and dead nettle flowers, which is placed directly on the affected area, is also effective. Before washing your hair, the crust can be treated with olive oil. In the case of severe complaints, the special, horn-releasing agents from the pharmacy are recommended. If the scab persists in spite of all measures, or if it even becomes infected, a doctor should be consulted for further clarification.