Eschar is a dry, dark scab or falling away of dead skin, typically caused by a burn or infection. It commonly appears in bacterial infections such as anthrax and can be a sign of necrotizing tissue.
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Eschar formation is often associated with bacterial infections like Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) and can be a critical diagnostic feature.
The presence of eschar indicates necrosis, where the tissue has died due to lack of blood supply or severe infection.
Eschar is different from other skin lesions because it is typically painless despite its severe appearance.
Treatment for eschar often involves debridement, which is the medical removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to improve the healing potential of the remaining healthy tissue.
In cases of cutaneous anthrax, eschars are surrounded by significant edema (swelling), which helps distinguish this condition from other types of skin infections.
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Related terms
Debridement: The medical removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to promote healing.