Scab fell off and left a hole happens sometimes but this is caused when you do not allow the body’s healing process to be complete. Scabs are not meant to be picked at or scratched even if it is itchy. The scab is supposed to reveal new skin that is fully healed of any damage, so when you see a hole instead, it means the scab fell off without the healing process being complete.
Sometimes, bleeding may start or the wound will reinvigorate. Scab felling off and leaving a hole may also be caused by infection. In this article, we will discuss scab, causes, when a scab falls off and how to care for your scab.
WHAT IS SCAB?
A scab is is a tissue like a protective cover that forms after your skin has been damaged. When you cut or scrape your skin, you will bleed. After sometime, blood clot forms and hardens to form protective crust. The scab gives your tissue time to regenerate, after that, the scab is pushed out to make room for new skin to grow.
A scab may look unpleasant and unsightly because of the dark color and crusty patch but it is a positive sign that your skin is healing. In fact, scabbing is a normal healing process. It may take days or weeks for your damaged skin to heal and the scab to fall off depending on how severe your wound is.
WHY DOES SCAB FORM?
The body is able to heal itself after any injury or wound. The first process of healing is using the blood that flows to the area of injury to stop bleeding first, then the next thing is to close or seal the site of injury so that healing may start.
Scab starts to form after the materials in the blood have stopped bleeding. The bleeding sends platelets and a fiber-like protein (fibrin) to the site of injury. The fibrin and platelets work together to stop bleeding, close the injury and form a scab.
This process may sound complex bit it is very essential to life. If the platelets and fibrin do not work on injuries, you will bleed to death even from the smallest injury. Imagine die from blood loss due to small cut from a knife while cooking.
WHAT CAUSES SCAB?
Scab is a defense measure against loss of blood, infections, germs and debris. Some common causes of scab are:
- Cuts
- Bites from insects or animals
- Acne
- Dry and cracking skin
- Eczema
- Fungal infection
- Bacterial infection
- Herpes
- Psoriasis
- Chicken pox
- Burns
- Abrasion
- Blisters
- Shingles
WHEN WILL YOUR SCAB FALL OFF?
A scab can stay on the wound for a few weeks and it will gradually fall off during your normal activities. If the scab falls off naturally on its own, you will not feel any pain. You should not be alarmed or scared if some pieces of the scab remain on your skin while some fall off. Some wounds heal faster in some areas than others especially if movement or daily activities do not put stress on the wound.
A bath or wet body can make the scab to become soft, this should not be a problem as long as you do not scrub off the scab. You may also notice that the skin around your scab is more sensitive than other parts, it may also be pale or pink in color.
SCAB FELL OFF AND LEFT A HOLE
A scab should be allowed to stay on the skin till it falls out on its own but if if stays more than 2 weeks, you should see a doctor. One characteristic that comes with scab is the itchiness. You are tempted to scratch and get relieve but it is not advisable to do so. Scratching the scab can open up the wound or even leave a hole.
A hole on your wound is very dangerous as it is a sign that the wound is no longer healing well. The hole means your tissues are being damaged and if there is no care, there will be serious complications. The most important advice is to leave your scab to fall off on its own. Do not pick or scratch it, doing so can lead to the scab leaving a hole.
SCAB FELL OFF AND LEFT A HOLE ON TATTOO
Tattoos are not supposed to scab but they do sometimes which is completely normal. Many people experience their tattoo scabbing, this is part of the healing. Remember that tattoos damage the skin, so the body takes time to seal the site of injury, dry and scab. As the body heals, scabs become drier and crustier till they fall off.
A scab is just like a protective cover from germs while the white blood cells work on the damaged skin. As the scab falls off, new and fresh skin is revealed. The size of your scab determines how long the healing process will last.
WHY WILL A TATTOO SCAB FALL OFF AND LEAVE A HOLE?
If you allow your scab to fall off on its own, you will see a new and fresh skin. But, if you pick on your scab and peel it off, you may not like the result. The first result is that your wound may start to bleed again and reinvigorate while your skin goes through the healing process again. Another result is the scab falling off and leaving a hole on your skin. This is common especially if the healing process is not about to end. In cases where the scab falls off without a hole, your tattoo can lose color or you end up having scars which gives your tattoo another look.
If you pick on your scab, it falls off and leaves a hole on your tattoo, your skin will be prone to infections and germs. The hole will still be damaged skin but without protective covering till another scab takes place. In some cases, the hole does not heal while you have a scar on your skin. The next option for you may be to draw another tattoo over the hole and former drawing, this will cost you money and time.
SCAB FELL OFF AND LEFT A HOLE AND NOW YOU HAVE CHILLS
Sometimes, when a scab falls and a hole appear, it comes with a chill. Having hole after a scab falls off can open up the defense for infections and germs to enter. The infection can get under the scab and into the wound.
Some of the causes of infected scab are:
- Wounds that have not completely healed with germs and dirts present
- The wound is open and not protected with a bandage
- You scratch and pick the scab thereby introducing bacteria
- The scab becomes so wet making it susceptible to fungal infections
You will notice some symptoms other than chills that will show your scab is infected:
- Pus oozing out from the scab
- The scab is hot and painful
- There is bleeding when you touch the scab
- Foul smell from the wound
- Redness and swelling around the scab
- Red streaks on the skin are coming out of the scab
- Crusty and yellowish look around the wound
- The scar does not heal after 10 days
- Discoloration of the skin around the scab
- Formation of pimple around the wound.
HOW TO TREAT SCAB
Although scab heal on their own, but the time may be longer so there are some ways that can help to speed up the process and reveal your new skin faster.
1. Keep your Scab Clean
Just like you care for your skin, you should also care for your scab and injuries. Some debris and germs can cause infections and delay your healing process. It is recommended that you wash your scab with mild soap and water, this should be done gently as scratching or scrubbing will irritate your scab. When your scab is irritated, it may bleed and cause scars.
2. Keep your Area of Injury Moist
Keeping the area around your wound moist will speed up recovery while new skin comes faster. A dry wound will cause scab to appear faster than normal causing the wound to heal slower. Applying petroleum jelly or other moisturizer will prevent the wound from itchiness and scarring.
3. Do not pick your scab
You will feel tempted to itch and scratch your scab. Doing so will cause new trauma to the wound, cause bleeding and slow the healing process. You can also develop an infection, and cause more pain or swelling when you pick your scab.
4 Hot and Cold Therapy
A warm compress will be good for your scab. It will cause more blood to flow to your wound and cause skin regeneration. A warm compress is also like a moisturizer, it prevents your wounds form drying out. Cold compress on the other hand will provide relief to itchiness caused by the scab and swelling as well. Cold compress will also reduce inflammation in the wound. Cover with a bandage to prevent irritation and contact with places which can cause scraping.
CONCLUSION
A scab is very necessary for wounds to heal, it protects the wounds against germs and dirt. Scabs comes with itchiness and you will be tempted to scratch, this is not advised to avoid the scab falling off and leaving a hole. The hole can be an entrance pint for germs, you can also end up having scars. Take care of your scab like any part of your body and see how fast your skin will heal.