crusted

Crusted is an adjective meaning covered with a crust, crust-like layer, or dried residue. It is used to describe physical surfaces that possess a hard outer layer, such as bread with a thick crust, mineral encrustations on rocks or pipes, or skin where dried blood or exudate has formed an outer crust. The term can also function as the past participle of the verb crust, as in something that has crusted over due to drying or calcification.

In medicine, "crusted" is used in conjunction with specific conditions, notably crusted scabies, also called Norwegian scabies. This form is characterized by thick, crusted lesions that contain large numbers of mites and eggs. It tends to occur in people with weakened immune systems or limited access to care and is highly contagious. Diagnosis relies on skin scrapings or dermoscopy, and treatment typically involves systemic scabicides and measures to control transmission, alongside skin care and infection control.

Outside medicine, the word describes any surface bearing crusts: crusted minerals on rock surfaces, a crusted food item where a sugar or salt crust forms during cooking, or a crusted exterior on pottery or metal from weathering.

Etymology: Crusted derives from crust with the suffix -ed, indicating that something has received a crust or developed a crust over time.