SUBSCRIBE

SKIN CARE Your Skin Science Ingredients

Yellow Scabs
Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — By
Alex Snyder — Updated on July 24, 2018

Appearance Causes Treatment Takeaway

Overview
Scabbing is part of your body’s amazing natural
ability to heal itself. When you suffer a cut, abrasion,
or bleeding wound in the skin, a scab forms to stop
the bleeding and cover the cut with a protective
layer. This layer is made of:

platelets

other blood cells, including red blood cells

fibrin (a protein)

These components thread together to form a clot.

When the clot hardens, you’re left with a scab.
During the healing process, connective tissue cells
below the scab contract and pull the edges of the
wound together, like stitches. When the wound is
healed, the scab falls off to reveal healthy, repaired
skin underneath.

Scabs, also known as crusts, are very helpful. In

addition to stopping bleeding and stabilizing
wounds, they also defend the skin against bacteria
and other germs, helping to prevent infection while
the skin is rebuilding itself.
ADVERTISEMENT

For ages 6+ months with moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic

dermatitis) that is not well controlled on Rx topicals.

GET AHEAD
In a 16-week clinical trial, 12x more teens

OF ECZEMA.ages 12-17 years saw clearer skin:

24% vs. 2% not on DUPIXENT

SEE WHAT’S Scroll to See More

POSSIBLE.
Important Safety Information and
Indication
Do not use if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any
of the ingredients in DUPIXENT®.

Scab colors
Scabs are usually a dark red color. This color comes
from hemoglobin — the protein inside red blood
cells that carries oxygen. However, scabs can be
different colors depending on a variety of factors,
such as:

age of the scab

fluid/drainage

infection

type of wound

Generally speaking, as scabs get older, they may

GET AHEAD
change in color. A healthy scab may go from being
dark red/brown to a lighter color, or it could become
OF
darker before ECZEMA.
falling off.
SEE WHAT’S
Yellow scabs POSSIBLE.
There are many different reasons why a scab may
be yellow or have a yellow shade:

Normal wear and tear

A scab may remain on your skin for several days to

a couple weeks depending on the wound and the
overall healing process. If you have a scab, it’s
considered normal to see it change into a yellowish
color over time. This is completely normal and is the
result of the hemoglobin from red blood cells in the
scab being broken down and washed away.

When the hemoglobin byproduct is washed away,

all that’s left of a scab is empty dead red blood cells,
platelets, and skin debris. When this happens, the
scab takes on a yellow or brownish hue.

Serous fluid

When you get a scrape or an abrasion, serous fluid

(which contains serum) can be found at the healing
site. Serous fluid, also known as serous exudate, is a
yellow, transparent liquid that aids the healing
process by providing a moist, nourishing
environment for the skin to repair.

Serous exudate comprises:

electrolytes

sugars

proteins

white blood cells

If you see moist, yellow color around your scab it

could simply be serum. However, if you see yellow
around your scab and the area is also inflamed or
swollen, it could be a sign of infection.

Infection

If your scab is yellow, there’s a chance it could be

due to infection. To check for infection, look for:

inflammation

swelling

redness

increased pain/sensitivity

cloudy fluid leakage (pus)

bad odor

fever or chills

If you experience one or some of these symptoms,

there’s a chance the scab is infected. In some cases,
yellow scabbing can be a sign of impetigo, which is
usually caused by staph or strep bacterial infection.
Impetigo can lead to fever, spread to multiple areas
of skin, and spread to other people. If you think your
child might have impetigo, it’s always a good idea to
talk to your doctor.

Although scabs usually don’t become infected,

repeated breaks in the scab or an abundance of
germs are just some ways infection can occur.
ADVERTISEMENT

1.9% APR
FOR UP TO 36 MONTHS
FOR WELL-QUALIFIED BUYERS

CONTACT YOUR MIAMI AREA RETAILER

* See Offer Details

Treatment and healing

When it comes to yellow scabs, there are some
simple measures you can take to help speed up the
healing process, help your skin repair itself, and
prevent infection:

Keep the scab/wound clean.

Moisturize the scab with antibacterial cream or

petroleum jelly.

Securely cover the scab with a bandage.

Do not pick at or scratch the affected area.

If your skin near the scab becomes infected, you

can speak to your doctor who may prescribe an
antibiotic to fight the infection.

Takeaway
Scabs are an essential part of healing, and while
yellow scabs may be unsightly, they are usually a
normal feature of the healing process. Basic care for
a yellow scab is to keep it clean, moisturized, and
covered.

Other than that, sometimes the best thing you can

do for a scab is to simply be patient and let it be.
Many cuts heal on their own without intervention by
doctors. However, if your yellow scab is infected,
painful, or causing you distress, don’t hesitate to
reach out to your doctor for help.

ADVERTISEMENT

Save up to 80% on skincare

prescriptions
Find a better price on skincare medications, even
without insurance. People like you saved an
average of $55 per prescription by using free
coupons from Optum Perks.

GET FREE COUPON

Last medically reviewed on July 24, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

SOURCES

Share this article

 v  

What to Do About a Scab on

Your Lip
Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, M.D. — By
Scott Frothingham — Updated on May 21, 2021

Treatment tips Signs of infection Causes

Outlook

You might not be happy about the appearance of a

scab on your lip. But it might bother you less if you
know that the scab works like a bandage, protecting
the skin underneath.

A scab is your body’s way of healing from an injury.

When your skin is broken, your body reacts to stop
the bleeding and keep out debris and germs.

Blood cells called platelets clump at the site of the

wound. They form a blood clot to slow or stop the
bleeding. As the clot dries out and gets hard and
crusty, a scab forms.

Your scab should typically fall off in a couple of

weeks, revealing the new skin that has grown
underneath it.
ADVERTISEMENT

What can I do to treat a scab on my

lip?
Here are some tips to help the healing process and
maybe speed it up:

Keep the scab clean

Proper hygiene can help you avoid irritation or

infection. Keep these tips in mind:

Don’t touch your scab. If touching can’t be

avoided, wash your hands first.

Don’t scrub your scab. Gentle cleansing will

suffice.

Don’t use a harsh soap. Use a mild, non-

foaming cleanser.

Moisturize it

Moisturize your scab to promote fast healing and

reduce itching.

Consider applying petroleum jelly. You most likely

don’t need an antibacterial ointment, since you’re
washing the area and the scab itself serves as
protection from infection.

Apply a warm compress

Apply a warm compress to help maintain moisture,

increase blood flow, and encourage skin
regeneration. If your scab itches, a warm compress
might also provide some welcome relief.

Use sunscreen

While you’re applying sunscreen to your face, don’t

forget to use it on the scab on your lip. A sunscreen
with an SPF of 30 or higher can help prevent
scarring.

Don’t pick at it

When you were a kid and adults told you not to pick
your scabs, they were right. Picking at a scab can
prolong the healing process. It can also result in
infection, inflammation, and potential scarring.

How can I tell if the scab on my lip

is infected?
You shouldn’t be concerned if there’s a small
amount of swelling or pinkish-red skin around your
scab. These are common signs of healing. You
should, however, watch for the following signs of
infection:

a fever, with no other explanation

redness and swelling which increases over a

period of days

red streaks extending from the scab

a scab that’s painful to the touch

a scab that feels hot

a scab that’s oozing pus

a scab that bleeds when touched

a scab that isn’t healing after 10 days

a scab that has a yellow and crusty area

surrounding it

If you think that your scab has become infected, see

a doctor or healthcare professional.
ADVERTISEMENT

Search for

TIPS TO GETS RID OF ECZEMA

1.
FAST

2. HOW TO TREAT IMPETIGO

3. CAUSES OF IMPETIGO

ATOPIC DERMATITIS ITCHY

4.
RELIEF
BEST TREATMENT FOR COLD
5.
SORES

What causes a scab on the lip?

There are a number of potential causes of a scab on
a lip, including:

an accidental lip bite

acne

an allergic reaction

an autoimmune disease

a bacterial infection

cold sores

dry skin

eczema

opened pimple

cuts from shaving

What’s the outlook?

A scab on your lip is a sign that your body is doing
its job. It’s protecting an area of damaged skin from
dirt, debris, and bacteria.

Taking care of the scab on your lip with washing,

moisturizing, and other steps can hasten healing.

A scab will commonly fall off in a couple of weeks —

revealing the new skin underneath — but keep an
eye out for infection. If you think you might have an
infection, seek medical help.

ADVERTISEMENT

Save up to 80% on skincare

prescriptions
Find a better price on skincare medications, even
without insurance. People like you saved an
average of $55 per prescription by using free
coupons from Optum Perks.

GET FREE COUPON

Last medically reviewed on May 21, 2021

How we reviewed this article:

SOURCES HISTORY

Share this article

 v  

READ THIS NEXT

Should I Be Concerned About a

Black Scab?
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN,
WHNP-BC, FAANP

Scabs are a defense against debris and infection. A

black scab usually means that it has been in place…
for a while. It typically doesn't warrant…

READ MORE

How to Heal Scabs on Your Face:

Skin Care Treatment and
Prevention
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN,
WHNP-BC, FAANP

Scabs are a sign of healing and can protect your

wound from germs. Learn how to get rid of scabs o…
your face, and how to ease your symptoms.

READ MORE

What to Do When a Scab

Becomes Infected
Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.D.

A scab is your body’s natural way of healing from an

injury that broke your skin. If not handled properly, …
scab can become infected. Here’s how to…

READ MORE

How to Treat Actinic Cheilitis on

Your Lips
Too much sun exposure can lead to swollen, puffy,
inflamed lips. This is known as actinic cheilitis, whi…
may turn into skin cancer. But treatment…

READ MORE

Subungual Hematoma: Drainage

for Immediate Relief
Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN,
CPN

For best results, you should see a doctor as soon as

possible to have your subungual hematoma…
drained. Let's look at the timeline for healing:

READ MORE

Blueberry Muffin Rash on

Babies: How to Recognize and
Treat
Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN,
CPN

This may manifest with blue or purplish spots that

resemble a blueberry muffin on your baby’s skin.

READ MORE

v  z  

Get our wellness newsletter

Filter out the noise and nurture your inbox with health
and wellness advice that’s inclusive and rooted in
medical expertise.

Enter your email SIGN UP

Your privacy is important to us

About Us Health Topics

Contact Us Medical Affairs

Terms of Use Content Integrity

Privacy Policy Newsletters

Privacy Settings Do Not Sell My Info

Advertising Policy

© 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. All

rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products
are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not
provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional
information.

About | Careers | Advertise with us

OUR BRANDS
Healthline
Medical News Today
Greatist
Psych Central

ADVERTISEMENT 
Search for

1. WHAT DOES ECZEMA LOOK LIKE