6. The Flaking Stage: Nature’s Exfoliation Process
As healing progresses, the crust starts to flake off. This shedding is a natural exfoliation process, revealing the newer skin beneath. However, this transition isn’t always smooth. The flaking crust can sometimes get caught on clothing or towels, leading to minor setbacks in the healing trajectory.
What’s compelling about this phase is the resilience of the skin. Beneath the flaking crust, a pinkish, fresh layer of skin is steadily maturing. It’s tender, a testament to its newness, but it’s also a symbol of the body’s relentless pursuit of healing.
However, this new skin is not yet as robust as the surrounding mature skin. It’s more sensitive to environmental factors like UV rays. Direct sunlight can cause irritation or even temporary discoloration. Hence, though the virus’s havoc is waning, the skin still requires some level of protection and care.(6)
