What is a scab? The surface of the wound. Wound infection

Everyone knows from the childhood that if a knee is broken, a sore will appear. But this word is colloquial, the official term is a scab. That is, if a crust - was formed on the wound, this is a scab.

How scabs are formed, their functions

Scabs are formed whenever the skin is damaged. These can be scratches, abrasions or burns. They can also occur with certain types of skin diseases.

The scab immediately begins to cover the surface of the wound, forming from dead particles of the epidermis, blood, sugars, pus. All these discharges are dried by the action of oxygen.

The main function of this crust is to protect the damaged skin from infection. Through it, neither pathogenic bacteria nor dirt enter. But such a protective reaction of the body can lead to unpleasant complications, so it is worthwhile to treat the wound immediately after it is received.

The scab remains on the damaged area until the epithelium is completely restored, then it disappears. It is not worth it to separate it, as it is possible to cause bleeding, then the restoration process will be interrupted. In addition, you can put the infection in the wound.

When a scab is a problem

What is a scab? This is a natural function of the body. The main purpose of the skin is to protect it. Therefore, the scab that protects the body from getting pathogens from outside is important for ensuring this function. And in most cases there is no need to interfere with the natural healing process of the wound.

But there are exceptions to the rule. For example, the wound can not become covered with a crust, and remain wet or under it inflammation will begin. With a large area of ​​damage, the scab can cause serious discomfort. Then you need the help of a specialist who will dissect it. Sometimes such procedure is carried out as an urgent measure, when the scab prevents the full blood supply.

Infectious infection of wound

Wound infection is a process during which inflammations develop and pus is formed at the site of damage to the skin, due to the entry of pathogenic bacteria. Infection can occur from the external environment or from the body itself. If there is already any inflammatory process, then through the lymphatic or circulatory system the infection can get into the wound.

Although often pathogenic microorganisms get out of the environment.

Signs of wound infection

Once the bacteria are in favorable conditions, within 12 hours they are already making themselves felt. On the damaged area of ​​the skin begins inflammation, manifested by the formation of pus and painful sensations that have a pulsating character, as well as swelling of the tissues and redness.

Wound infection can have more severe manifestations. The severity is affected by several factors: the area affected, the type of microbes, the state of immunity of the body.

So at the patient the temperature can rise, the sweating can amplify, or on the contrary - there is a fever. Sometimes there is a rapid pulse and tachycardia, there are problems with sleep. Also, the presence of infection can be judged by the analysis of urine( it shows a protein) and blood( the level of leukocytes rises).

Infectious infection can be dangerous with its consequences. In the most serious case, blood infection may occur.

What to do if under the crust started inflammation

If the wound suddenly appeared pus or pain, then answer what the scab, have to do otherwise. It is a crust that prevents skin from repairing, and therefore medical intervention is required. It is recommended that you consult a surgeon so that he gently opens the wound and cleans it.

If this is not possible, then you can disinfect it yourself. To do this, you need to make the wound surface accessible for manipulation. A scab can not be torn off, since after healing can remain an ugly scar. It is better to use a compress that will help to soak the crust. This is best suited for infusion of calendula and chamomile.

Warm compress should be applied to the crust and leave for 15 minutes. Then, when it becomes soaked, you can use a cotton pad to treat the wound and apply an ointment containing the antibiotic and apply a bandage over it. This treatment should be done several times a day.

What to do with the appearance of a wicking wound

From what has been said above it is clear that such a scab is a protective crust covering the site of damage to the skin. But this does not always happen, sometimes the wound is not crusted and remains wet. Most often this happens when getting a burn, trophic ulcers, dermatitis and wet eczema. Wounding wound always requires treatment. Often this is a long process.

If you have a problem, it is recommended to seek help from a specialist who will determine the cause of such a complication, carry out appropriate treatment and prescribe treatment. It is usually necessary to wash the wound with hydrogen peroxide or a weak solution of potassium permanganate. After that, the healing ointment is applied, and on top of it - a bandage. It must be changed regularly, at least 2 times a day, but if it gets wet, then more often.

You can use the traditional medicine recipes to speed up the healing of the wound. For example, a good disinfecting property is the onion. The grated head should be put in gauze and applied to the wound. Compress will help to remove the swelling and draw pus.

Potato is a good healing property. It is necessary to squeeze out juice from it, in which to moisten a piece of bandage, folded several times, attach to the wound, from above put a bandage. The compress should be updated every 6 hours. At first it is worth doing it more often - every 4 hours. When the sinking wound begins to dry up, it can be lubricated with sea buckthorn oil.

By the way, the damaged area can become wet and do not heal if it restrict oxygen supply. For example, for too long, the cut portion is pasted with a band-aid.

If the damage to the skin is shallow and small, then it should be treated and trusted protective functions of the body. As a rule, after a while you will already be able to see what a scab is. In case of serious damage, you should seek qualified help.