A white scab is usually caused by moisture within the scab. The normal red-brown coloring of a scab changes when it is exposed to water from a bath or shower. It may also appear whitish after an extended application of an ointment that prevents air from reaching the scab. Other possible causes of a lesion that resembles a white scab are a viral skin condition, an infection, or an early form of skin cancer.
Scabs are the natural bandage the body produces when the surface of the skin is injured. As the wound bleeds, cells in the blood called platelets and fibrin cluster together to block the flow of blood from the wound. Eventually, the accumulated platelet and fibrin clot hardens into a scab. It remains over the healing wound until a new layer of skin has formed. Newly formed skin is not attached to the scab, which loosens and falls off when healing is complete.
When a normal colored scab turns white from too much moisture, the area should be dried gently with a soft cloth and left exposed to the air. The moist scab is usually soft and may lift away from the skin, causing additional damage to the underlying cells. As the moisture evaporates, the scab will harden and return to its normal appearance. Removing the soft white scab can cause the healing process to start over, increasing the overall healing period.
An infected wound may have a scab that appears to be white. In such cases, the skin around the wound will often be red and hot to the touch, and pus may ooze from underneath the white scab. Infected scabs should be evaluated by a physician to determine if oral antibiotics are necessary to complete the healing process. Most minor infections can be treated with a topical antibiotic ointment and clean bandages. Once the redness, heat, and pus are no longer visible, the scab should be exposed to air to complete the healing process.
If a lesion suddenly appears that resembles a white scab, without a known injury to the area, it should be immediately evaluated by a physician. Some skin cancers may closely mimic the appearance of a white scab. A biopsy of the lesion may be necessary to eliminate the possibility of the presence of a cancerous growth. Herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV) can also cause small spots that may resemble a white scab.
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animegal
Post 3 |
@wander - You sure sound like you have an infection in your knee and you really need to get that taken care of. I wouldn't bother the doctor with it though unless you have a fever.
If you go to the pharmacy buy some iodine or hydrogen peroxide to clean your cut, then get some over-the-counter antibiotic cream for it. Slap a bandage on it and it should be fine in no time.
I am pretty accident prone as well, and I always need to patch myself up, especially after playing sports. All you need to do is keep your cut clean for the next few days, and if it starts to look red and inflamed, head to the doctor. |
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wander
Post 2 |
What should you do if you end up removing a white scab by accident?
I fell down rollerblading last week and made a mess of my knees. I noticed earlier that there was a white part, and didn't think anything of picking it off. Now it is bleeding again and looks a bit like there might be an infection there.
Do you think that I should go to the doctor's for some antibiotics, or can I get something at the pharmacy?
I can definitely see what was causing the scab to look white now and it isn't very pleasant. I hate getting scraped. |
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letshearit
Post 1 |
When I was swimming I noticed that I had a white scab and it really freaked me out. I thought for sure something horrible had happened to my cut, but after I dried it off it went back to its normal color.
I think if you have any cuts that are really worrisome you should avoid swimming for awhile. I am not sure if the chlorine in the pool did my scabs any good, but the water certainly made them look odd. I am glad I didn't go with my first instinct and try and pick off the white scab. I am sure that would have just made my problems much worse. |
