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A Persistent Crusty Spot That Keeps Scabbing: What Could It Be?
Noticing a small spot on your skin that keeps crusting over, scabbing, and then reopening can be frustrating and concerning—especially if you can’t get in to see a medical professional right away. While only a clinician can make a diagnosis, there are several common possibilities that may explain this kind of skin change.
Common Causes
1. Slow-healing sore or irritation
If the area is repeatedly rubbed, picked at, or irritated (for example by clothing, shaving, or scratching), it may never fully heal. This can cause a cycle of scabbing and reopening.
2. Dry skin or eczema
Very dry or inflamed skin can crack and form crusts, especially in colder weather or after frequent washing. These areas may look scabby and heal slowly.
3. Minor infection
Small bacterial or fungal infections can cause crusting, redness, or oozing. These often don’t go away on their own and may persist without treatment.
4. Cold sores or viral lesions (if on the lip or face)
Some viral skin conditions can repeatedly scab over and return in the same spot.
5. Non-healing skin lesions
In some cases, a spot that doesn’t heal over weeks may need closer evaluation, especially if it bleeds easily, changes shape or color, or slowly grows.
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