What is the rule on covering wounds versus giving them air?

it to you the and then is scab apply will keep that

What is the rule on covering wounds versus giving them air? I cut a little bit of the tip of my finger off last night.
Some people are telling me to keep it covered, and some people are talking about giving it air and that putting crap on it (like antibiotics) will smother it and it%26#039;s not a good idea.
What do I do?
(please don%26#039;t answer if you don%26#039;t really KNOW............)

Best Answer

I%26#039;d keep it covered for a few days until it starts to heal over (until it stops bleeding and starts to scab), let the air get to it after that. You DID clean it out really good right? If it%26#039;s a small enough wound you can pour a little hydrogen peroxide over it, but not a good idea for bigger or deep wounds. When it starts to skin over you might want to put a triple antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin) on it to keep it from drying out and getting tight.

Asker's Rating:: thank you =]

Other Answers (5)

If you go to an ER, we will ALWAYS cover it. If it is bleeding or weeping, then we will apply some petrolatum-gauze to it so that it won%26#039;t stick to the wound and then apply a cotton-based dressing. In your case, tube gauze. Once a firm scab is formed, then it is up to you whether you keep it covered or not. The reason we do this is to prevent infection and to speed the healing with minimal scar formation. I am an ER doctor
one would apply bandages or gauze until the scab forms. once the blood has stopped gushing, you should let it be open to the air. if it continues to break and ooze blood, then you should cover it.

good luck =] athletic trainer (aka: medic)
first cover it up so that it will stop bleeding then apply some hydroxian poroxide on it to kill the bacteria and then apply a new bandage if you air it out while its still a scab that bleeds from time to time it may get infected by bacteria medical knowlage
Peroxide. Neosporin. Air...oxygen helps in scab formation. Registered medical assistant

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