How to Close a Wound on the Scab

Many wounds are minor and do not require medical treatment. Look for warning signs such as deepness, infections or uncontrollable bleeding. Medical care is usually needed if dirt stays in the wound after cleaning. You may need stitches to help close the wound. A minor wound often forms a scab as it heals. Scabs can reopen if left uncovered. Treatment for reopened scabs is similar to caring for a new wound.

Things You'll Need

• Clean cloths
• Bandages
• Antibacterial soap
• Antibacterial ointments

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply pressure to a wound if it is bleeding. Scabs often reopen if they are hit or bumped by objects or through various blunt force trauma. Apply a clean cloth or tissue to the wound and hold it there until the bleeding slows, usually after about 30 minutes.

• 2

  Clean the wound. A reopened scab is still healing and is very sensitive. It is also at a high risk of infection. When the bleeding stops, run the wound under cool water and cleanse gently with antibacterial soap to kill any germs that might have gotten in. Pat the scab dry with a clean towel.

• 3

  Apply an antibacterial cream. After you've cleaned and dried the scab, cover the wound with a thin layer of antibacterial cream such as vitamin A/B ointment or Bacitracin cream to keep infection at bay.

• 4

  Cover the wound. An uncovered scab is at risk of being reopened through physical trauma. Bumping or hitting an uncovered wound will most likely cause the scab to break open. Avoid the pain of a new wound by keeping it covered and protected. After you've applied antibacterial cream, put a bandage over the scab. Keep the bandage on until the scab is rehealed, removing it only for cleaning. Prevent a scab from reopening in the first place by keeping all wounds covered and protected until they are healed.