Nature 193, 293 - 294 (20 January 1962); doi:10.1038/193293a0

Formation of the Scab and the Rate of Epithelization of Superficial Wounds in the Skin of the Young Domestic Pig

GEORGE D. WINTER

Department of Biomechanics and Surgical Materials, Institute of Orthopaedics (University of London), Stanmore, Middlesex.

WHERE there is a superficial wound in the skin, new epidermis covers the denuded area by migration from the hair follicles and sweat gland ducts within the wound and from the surface epidermis at the wound edges. It has been found that epithelization is retarded by the dry scab which normally covers a superficial wound, and if the formation of the scab is prevented, the rate of epithelization is markedly increased.