The scabs are small skin desquamations mainly affecting the skin of the face. They appear as red or whitish spots. Certain preventive measures can limit their appearance. Update with Dr Claire Lewandowski.
The scab is a skin condition which mainly affects the face. It is manifested by small round, pinkish or whitish spots on the skin. Dry, sensitive skin can be a cause of scab. What are the symptoms of a scab? Is she contagious? What are the treatments ?
Definition: what is scab?
The medical name of the scab is “achromic eczema”. The scab is a skin condition pityriasis type. It is a skin condition characterized by desquamation, that is to say a detachment of the first layer of the skin. The scabs look like small rounded, dry and scaly patches, which can be whitish or pinkish, and which always progress to a secondary hypopigmentation. Patches can appear all over the body, but predominate especially on the face young people. They are in the form of small round, pinkish or whitish spots. To the touch, they give a feeling of dryness and can come off.
Dartre in the baby
The scabs affect mostly babies And children between 3 and 16 years old, and are seen more rarely in adults. They are more common in young children because their skin is dry before puberty because their sebaceous glands are not yet functioning. They are observed more in case of dry skin or sensitive skin and during periods of cold and humidity, which makes it a real winter ailment.
Where are the scabs located?
The scabs mainly affect certain face parts (chin, cheeks, eyelids, forehead), but they can affect any area of the body. They are often found on the arms, the back, the inside of the thighs, but also the scalp.
Is scab contagious?
Scars are not contagious. Their development is favored by several factors, which will dry out the skin and therefore create a favorable ground such as the cold and the sun. The people who have naturally dry or reactive skin are more predisposed to it but cannot give the affection to someone else.
The darts are small pink or slightly red patches which gradually turn white with the sun (especially in case of dark skin) and which peel. The lesion is round or oval, 0.5 to 2 cm in size and may itch, but only moderately or sometimes not at all. They are located mainly on the face (forehead, nose and cheeks) but also on the chest, shoulders and sometimes on the back. They commonly worsen in winter due to cold and humidity.
Causes: what causes scabs?
Scars usually appear because of microscopic yeasts, of the Pityrosporon type and too rapid and excessive renewal of the epidermis which leads to an increase in the production of keratin on the surface of the skin. Other causes are possible such as misuse of cream containing corticosteroids particularly drying, humidity, stimulants (tobacco, alcohol, coffee), emotional shock or even pregnancy.
“If lesions appear, consult your doctor”
Questioning and clinical examination of the attending physician or dermatologist are sufficient to make the diagnosis of scab. No additional examination is necessary, except in case of diagnostic doubt.
When and who to consult in case of scab?
“If lesions appear, consult your doctor to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment without delay“, insists Dr. Claire Lewandowski, specialized in addictology, general medicine and psychiatry. A medical consultation is indeed recommended with the attending physician and a dermatologist as soon as the first lesions appear to confirm the diagnosis and be sure that it is not another skin disease such as eczema for example. In addition, the implementation of a rapid treatment will limit the inflammatory phase and therefore the white spot thereafter.
Treatment is primarily based on moisturizer which will have a beneficial effect on the pink and dry plate and above all, will limit recurrences. If the initial lesion is more marked, one can use either the copper and zinc based creams available over the counter in pharmacies, either in front of a frankly red lesion, a topical corticosteroid. More rarely, antifungals or antibiotics are indicated when the lesions risk becoming superinfected by scratching. Some natural products like the aloe vera, recognized for its moisturizing, anti-infectious, soothing and healing properties, can help to limit scabs, after medical advice. You can add to it a drop of essential oil with anti-inflammatory properties and regenerating, such as lemon, chamomile, niaouli or rose geranium. Massages at argan, calendula, sweet almond, hemp, or avocado oil also help to limit the formation of crusts.
The prevention of scabs is based on:
► The use of products suitable for dry skin such as superfatted breads, or without soapto wash the face and a very moisturizing and lipid-replenishing day cream for face and body. It is recommended to do, once a week, a moisturizing mask but to avoid overly aggressive scrubs. “In case of dry skin, especially in children, be sure to apply a moisturizer daily to the face and body, especially in winter.
► “In summer, do not forget to apply a total screen on all parts of the body exposed to the sun”, advocates Dr. Claire Lewandowski. If you can, rinse with clear water after each bath, at sea or in a swimming pool. In winter, in the mountains, think of yourself moisturize the face morning and evening, apply a lip stick and use special mountain sun protection. Finally, apply a Hand cream as soon as the need arises.