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Try one of these related symptoms.
Wound
Healing skin lesion
Black scabs
Scrape
Scab on skin
About the Symptom
A scab is a rough, dry protective crust that forms over a wound during healing. During the healing process, the tissue under the scab grows back and pushes out the scan to allow new skin to grow.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Numbness / sensory disorder
- Numbness of the body
- Systemic rash
- Fever
Possible Causes
Generally, Scab can be related to:
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
A highly contagious disease, also known as chickenpox, is caused by the varicella zoster virus and can be transmitted by contact with infected individuals. Patients should avoid contact with other children or pregnant women.
- Mycobacterial Infections (Excluding TB)
Mycobacterial infections are multisystem infections caused by the Mycobacteriaceae bacterial family. These infections are complex and more common in people with immune system disorders. They can cause lung infections, leprosy, chronic ulcers, and other localized or widespread infections.
- Impetigo
A bacterial infection of the superficial skin layer. Impetigo occurs when bacteria have an entry point into the skin, such as after an insect bite, wound, or scratching.
- Rosacea-like Dermatitis
- Psoriasis (Except for Pustular Psoriasis)
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Pustular Psoriasis
- Palmoplantar Pustulosis
- Keloids (Including Piercing Keloids)
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Scab may be related to these serious diseases:
- Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome
This condition is caused by toxins produced during an infection by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which affects the skin. The skin blisters and peels off, revealing a red layer that looks like burned or scalded skin. Infants and children, especially those with weak immune systems, are at higher risk.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Do you have a scab?
- Did scabs form about a week after the blisters?
- How has the scab changed since it first appeared?
- How long have you had a scab this time?
- Have you had a scab before?
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Jan 29, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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- Scabs formed approximately 1 week after the blisters
- Scabs formed about a week after the blisters
- After a week, the blisters developed scabs
- Scab formed
- Blistered scabbed over after a week
- Blisters formed scabs after 1 week
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Phillips SJ. Physiology of wound healing and surgical wound care. ASAIO J. 2000 Nov-Dec;46(6):S2-5. doi: 10.1097/00002480-200011000-00029. PMID: 11110286.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11110286/#:~:text=Hemostasis%20with%20fibrin%20formation%20creates,chemical%20stimuli%20for%20wound%20repair.