Picking Scabs Can Do More Damage Than You Think

We all know we’re not supposed to pick scabs. But that dry, itchy patch on your skin practically begs to be scratched and resisting the urge can be harder than it sounds. So what’s the real harm in giving in?

Turns out, a lot more than you might expect. Beyond a little bleeding, picking at scabs can cause deeper skin damage, delay healing, and even open the door to infection. Here's what really happens when you don't let your wounds heal the way nature intended.

What Is a Scab, Really?

A scab is more than just a crusty annoyance it's your body’s natural bandage. After a cut or scrape, your blood clots to stop bleeding and forms a protective crust to shield the new tissue forming beneath. According to the Nemours Foundation, most scabs naturally fall off within a week or two, once the underlying skin has sufficiently healed.

"Scabs form a protective barrier to guard a wound from bacteria and dirt," says Dr. Marisa Garshick, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell–New York Presbyterian Medical Center.

But when you pick off a scab before it's ready, you disrupt the skin's natural repair process and that can come with a few unwanted consequences.

Three Things That Happen When You Pick a Scab

1. You Slow Down Healing

Tearing off a scab can reopen the wound, causing it to bleed and forcing your skin to restart the healing process. That means the area will take longer to fully recover.

2. You May End Up With a Worse Scar

Some minor wounds might not scar at all unless you pick at them. "Picking causes more injury to the skin," Dr. Garshick explains. The more damage done to the area, the more likely it is that you'll be left with a visible scar.

3. You Raise Your Risk of Infection

Exposing raw skin gives bacteria an easy entry point. Infections like cellulitis a common bacterial infection that affects skin and underlying tissue can develop, and in rare cases, may even spread to the blood, bones, or heart. According to the CDC, more than 14 million people in the U.S. are treated for cellulitis each year.

What to Do Instead

If the itch is unbearable, resist the temptation to pick by using these dermatologist-approved strategies:

• Apply petroleum jelly to keep the area moisturized and less itchy. This creates a barrier that can ease irritation and prevent further injury.

• Cover the wound with a bandage to physically block your fingers from picking.

• Keep your hands busy fidget tools or mindfulness practices can help, especially if you tend to pick due to stress or anxiety.

If you find yourself compulsively picking at scabs, it could be a sign of a mental health condition called dermatillomania, or skin-picking disorder. It’s more common than you might think and often linked to anxiety or obsessive-compulsive tendencies. The Cleveland Clinic notes that treatment usually involves therapy, medication, or both so it’s worth seeking help if the habit feels out of your control.

The Bottom Line

While it may seem harmless in the moment, picking at scabs interferes with healing, can leave scars, and increases your risk for infection. Next time you're tempted, remember: your skin knows what it’s doing. Let it heal, with a little help from ointment and a bandage if needed.

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