What are scabs and how long do they take to heal?

Published: October 2020

Last Reviewed: April 2025

Scabs are a common occurrence in the wound healing process. They are there to protect your wounds from any bacteria entering your wound and to protect from any further blood loss. However, scabs are not always good for the skin to develop as they can delay the wound healing process and potentially cause noticeable scars. It is best practice to care for your wounds prior to scabs developing in a dry environment.

Scabs are the protective layers of tissue that form at the start of the healing process after an area of skin is damaged from injuries such as a cut, graze, or scratch. 

Scabs should not be picked as they protect your wound. If you pick or pull at the scab it would only lengthen the healing process and can lead to the development of a scar. Prematurely removing a scab means you’re disrupting the natural healing process of the skin and removing the newly formed skin tissue that grows underneath the scab.

Peeling a scab prematurely could cause bleeding and would only lead to a new scab, which can also mean the skin underneath is exposed to bacteria and germs whilst it’s forming. This can also cause infection.

Scabs will typically fall off naturally over a period of time that ranges from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the wound. You can help speed up the healing process by keeping the skin clean, moist and then covered with a plaster or bandage.

You should try to avoid developing scabs in the first place because they delay the healing process for your skin by disturbing the regeneration of new skin tissue. Scabs can be prevented when a wound is cared for in a moist wound healing environment. 

Scabs are primarily formed to protect your wound against blood loss and infection. Blood clot cells (platelets) start to clot in order to prevent any more blood or fluids from leaving the body. As the blood on the wound begins to dry it creates the crusty scab layer over the wound. Scabs can form as a result of:

• Acne
• bacterial infection
• Bug bites
• Chickenpox
• cuts, grazes and scratches.
• Cysts
• Eczema
• Folliculitis
• fungal infection
• Herpes
• Impetigo
• Infected scalp injury
• Psoriasis
• Seborrheic dermatitis
  
   

Scabs on the scalp can largely be treated in the same manner as scabs anywhere else on the body. In some cases they can be a symptom of a separate condition that may require further treatment, such as:

• Scalp psoriasis is an infection that develops symptoms of itching or flakiness on patches of skin that looks like dandruff. Scratching the affected areas can cause scabs on the scalp and lead to symptoms such as severe hair loss.
• Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that occurs when an irritant substance comes into direct contact with a person’s skin. Blistered scalp skin can be a symptom of contact dermatitis which can also lead to scabs on the scalp.
• Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that can cause pimples or sores from shaving. They can also lead to scabbing and scarring if picked.
• Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition that causes red, itchy, and flaky skin. This rash often occurs on the scalp or near the hairline and could cause scabbing if itched excessively.
  
   
  
  
   

An infected scab differs in looks from a basic scab because it is more yellow in colour, with the surrounding area becoming swollen or inflamed. Other symptoms of an infected scab are: severe redness around the wound, leakage of fluids, increased levels of pain, a discomforting odour or a fever and chills. 

Yellow scabbing can also imply that you may have impetigo, which can commonly be caused by bacterial infection. Impetigo can spread around the body, to other people and lead to fevers. It is advised to see a doctor if you feel unwell with a wound that you suspect is heavily infected.

Always see a doctor if the wound is deep, bleeds heavily or shows signs of infection like reddening, swelling or warmth.

Please note that, although these were compiled with great care, the tips and advice given on this website by no means substitute medical advice and treatment. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult a doctor and follow medical advice regardless of what you have learned on this website.

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