Why do scabs on wounds turn black?

The scab will become darker and darker during the healing process, and it will continue to get darker. We call this scar pigmentation. So what should we do when the scar becomes darker?

What is the process of wound healing?

When the human body is injured, a scab will form on the wound. This is a protective layer of blood and tissue fluid secreted by the human body's white blood cells. This scab helps protect the wound from external bacteria and promotes the repair of internal tissues. The color of the scab may be black, reddish brown or yellowish brown, depending on the specific conditions of the wound and the healing process.

The formation of scabs is an important stage of wound healing. During this stage, the skin around the wound begins to heal gradually, and new skin tissue gradually replaces the damaged tissue. The whole process usually takes 1-2 weeks, during which the scab will gradually harden and eventually fall off naturally, exposing the new skin tissue.

Reasons why wounds turn black :

There are usually two main reasons why wounds become scabby and black: local congestion and local ischemia.

1) Local congestion : When the tissue at the wound is damaged, the surrounding blood vessels may rupture, causing blood to penetrate into the surrounding tissues and form congestion. The congestion will gradually oxidize during the scab formation process, causing the scab to darken in color and eventually appear black. If the congestion is widespread or severe, red light therapy, moxibustion, and other methods may be needed to improve local blood circulation and promote the absorption and disappearance of congestion.

2) Local ischemia : Local ischemia of the wound may also cause the scab to turn black. This usually occurs when the wound is sutured. If the suture is too tight, it may hinder the blood circulation of the local tissue and cause tissue ischemia and necrosis. Therefore, when suturing the wound, avoid pulling too tightly, change the dressing on time after surgery, and try to use hydrogen peroxide, active iodine, saline, etc. to repeatedly clean the wound to reduce the risk of infection.

Why are silicone gel dressings recommended ?

Silicone gel dressings are a commonly used auxiliary means in the process of wound healing. Silicone gel dressings (such as self-adhesive silicone gel dressings) are mainly composed of silicone gel and self-adhesive dressings. They can be attached to wounds or scars to promote scar maturation and softening and reduce scar proliferation by maintaining a moist environment for the local skin and reducing tension.

However , it should be noted that silicone gel dressings should be used only after the wound has completely healed and the scab has fallen off naturally. Applying silicone gel before the scab has fallen off may cause the scab to fall off abnormally, increasing the risk of wound infection and pain. Therefore, patients should wait patiently for the scab to fall off naturally and start using silicone gel dressings under the guidance of a doctor.

For different types of wounds, the timing and method of using silicone gel dressings are also different. For example, for superficial wounds (such as abrasions and scratches), you can start using it after the scab falls off; for cesarean section incisions or burn wounds, you need to start using it when the wound is well healed and there is no redness, swelling or exudation.

The blackening of wound scabs is a common phenomenon in the wound healing process, usually due to local congestion or ischemia. Patients do not need to worry too much, just wait patiently for the scabs to fall off naturally and take necessary treatment under the guidance of doctors. At the same time, after the wound heals, the reasonable use of silicone gel dressings can promote the repair and softening of scars and reduce the formation of scars. During the entire healing process, it is crucial to maintain good wound hygiene and appropriate care measures.

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Editor: kiki Jia