Re: why do scabs (clots) turn yellow when you go in the shower?

Ben,
    Scabs are a combination of red blood cells, platelets, skin cells 
and special proteins in the blood which promote wound closure and 
healing.  The initial red appearance of a scab is due to the red blood 
cells which become trapped in the clot.  The red color of the cells 
comes from the hemoglobin inside the cell.   Hemoglobin is the 
molecule responsible for carrying oxygen to all of the body's tissues.
    Over time the red blood cells break down.   Showering washes 
away the hemoglobin, leaving only cell debris.  The empty dead red 
blood cells, platelets and skin cells  give the scab its yellow/brown 
color.
    During the healing process the platelets contract at the site of 
injury. {You can think of these cells as microscopic stitches.}  The 
contraction of thousands of platelets pulls the edges of the wound 
together.  The scab stabilizes the wound and protects the injured site.  
Once the wound has healed the scab will fall off.  Underneath the 
skin and tissue will have been repaired.


To find out more about wound healing visit the following web site: http://www.wound-healing.net/