That’s why it’s important to keep wounds moist with a dab of petroleum jelly each day. And if you do end up with a scab, it will heal more quickly. However, if you keep the wound covered and moist, you’re less likely to end up with a scab. No matter what you do, your wound may heal with or without a scab, a protective covering that the skin forms over the wound. Reapply petroleum jelly with each change of bandage. Change the bandage daily (or more, if the cut reopens or begins bleeding again). You should keep a wound moist and covered for about five days. Apply a bit of petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) to the wound when you change the bandage to keep it moist.Apply an antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin) to the area.Clean the area with gentle soap and water.An uncovered wound takes longer to heal.ĭeeper cuts need medical care, but you can treat most minor cuts and scrapes at home.

An uncovered wound is more likely to be painful.A wound that heals in a moist environment is less likely to leave a scar.An exposed cut will pick up dirt and debris from the air.Covering the wound maintains the natural moisture that helps keep cells alive.Air dries out the wound and promotes cell death, not healing.Once you stop the bleeding and clean the wound, you should apply a clean bandage. Leaving a wound uncovered can slow down the healing process. Do Wounds Need Air to Heal?Ĭontrary to folk wisdom, wounds need moisture - not air - to heal. Read on for when - and how - to cover a wound. You may have heard that wounds need air to heal or “breathe.” Perhaps your grandmother said if you leave a cut or scrape uncovered, it will form a scab and heal faster.

Road rash healing process