Costras

Costras is the plural form of costra, a term used in Spanish for a crust or scab that forms on the skin after injury or due to certain skin conditions. In medical and everyday language, costras refer to dried exudate made up of serum, blood, and other fluids that have dried on the surface of a wound or irritated area. They are a common part of the wound-healing process and can appear after cuts, abrasions, burns, dermatitis, or infections.

Formation and characteristics: Costras develop when body fluids exude from damaged skin and dry. Their color can range from yellow to brown, red, or dark, and their texture can be thin and flaky or thicker and more adherent. They may protect the healing tissue underneath, but if they become infected or are repeatedly irritated, they can delay healing. A related term, eschar, refers to a thick, often necrotic tissue layer that is more solid and leathery than a typical crust.

Clinical significance: The presence of costras is not by itself a sign of serious disease, but changes in their appearance can indicate problems. Large or spreading crusts, increasing redness, warmth, pus, fever, or pain may suggest infection or delayed healing and warrant medical evaluation. In some conditions, such as dermatitis, fungal infections, or scalp conditions, costras can reflect underlying skin disease rather than a plain injury.

Management: Do not pick at crusts, as this can reopen wounds or introduce infection. Gently cleanse the area with mild soap and water, keep it dry or lightly moisturized as advised, and cover with a clean dressing if needed. Treatment of the underlying cause (infection, dermatitis, or burns) may be necessary, sometimes including topical antiseptics or antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Seek medical advice if crusts persist, worsen, or are accompanied by systemic symptoms.