What it means
The protective covering that forms on top of a scrape or small wound as blood and serum dry out. New skin grows underneath it. Its medical name is a crust. A scab is not the same as eschar, which is a layer of dead tissue in a burn or deep wound.
For the nurse
Teach clients not to pick scabs, which slows healing and can let germs in. Moist wound healing under a dressing is often faster than leaving a wound to scab.
At a glance
| Everyday words | a crust on a cut or scrape |
|---|---|
| Spanish | costra |
| Also written | scabs |
Related terms
lesion
An area of tissue that has been damaged or has changed from normal, such as a sore, wound, lump or spot.
laceration
A cut or tear in the skin or other tissue, often with jagged edges.