The fluid, plasma , contains fibrinogen which is cleaved to form fibrin strands that form substantial portions of the blood clot. Accumulation of a large number of white blood cells leads to pus in the wound. Eventually the clot is replaced by granulation tissue, a connective tissue with a rich blood supply. The scar is red because of the ample blood supply. The color fades to white as the vascularization decreases and the collagen matrix matures.
Epithelial cells divide and migrate over the basal layers to regenerate the epithelium.
Basal cells continue to divide until the epithelial stratification is restored. When the coverage of the wound surface beneath the scab is complete the scab sloughs off and the epidermis begins to keratinize. Remodeling of the collagen matrix may continue for years with the extent varying among individuals and with age. The scar is rarely as strong as the tissue it replaced. Deeper or larger skin wounds may result in the loss of epidermal structures in that area.