Scabs form to protect and heal a wound by covering it with a dry, crusty layer. To help a scab heal, keep it clean and moist with a moisturizer or ointment, and avoid picking or scratching it. If a ...

Scabs get a bad reputation because they’re dry, crusty, and inconvenient, but they are one of the body’s most effective ...

The body creates scabs to protect wounds from bacteria. If bacteria do get in, the wound can become infected. This may cause a crusty, yellow scab to develop. Medical treatments and home remedies may ...

A scab that oozes pus, has a foul smell, or is discolored may be infected. You should clean the area, avoid touching it, and protect it with a sterile bandage. If the symptoms worsen, you should see a ...

Scabs are a defense against debris, infection, and blood loss. When you damage your skin and it bleeds, a blood clot forms. Eventually, the blood clot hardens into a crusty protective layer known as a ...