Why do you scab over a wound?

Scabbing is the body's natural way of protecting a wound from infection and promoting healing. When you get a cut or abrasion, your body sends platelets and fibrin to the area to form a temporary plug that stops the bleeding. This plug then dries out and forms a scab.

Scabs are important because they:

- Protect the wound from bacteria and other foreign objects.

- Help to keep the wound moist, which promotes healing.

- Provide a barrier against UV radiation, which can damage the skin and delay healing.

- Stimulate the growth of new skin cells.

Scabs typically fall off within 7-14 days, once the wound has healed underneath. However, some scabs may take longer to fall off, especially if the wound is deep or infected.

If you have a scab, it is important to keep it clean and dry to prevent infection. You should also avoid picking at the scab, as this can damage the healing tissue.