Effect of Scabs on the Rate of Epidermal Regeneration in the Skin Wounds of Guinea Pigs

Abstract

THE effect of scab on the healing of a wound is not well understood. MacCallum's¹ idea that the scab may store nutritive material for the granulation tissue is not generally accepted. James² demonstrated a high concentration of hydroxyproline in the scab hydrolysates but this was shown to be derived from the collagen fibres which had been incorporated into the scab³. Winter⁴ put forward some experimental evidence designed to show that the scabs retarded the rate of epidermization of wounds in the skin of pigs. During an examination of the various factors which influence the rate of wound healing, observations have been made which are very different from those of Winter's.