Wound Care: Covered vs. Uncovered
Whether it’s a deep cut, a superficial scrape, or another type of wound, it can be difficult to know whether to cover it or not to help aid healing. Although each approach may have its place, here’s what you need to know about how covered and uncovered wounds heal.
Covered Wounds
Covering an open wound has quite a few benefits that can help aid in faster healing.
The most obvious reason to cover a wound is that doing so helps make sure that any first aid ointment, such as Bacitraycin Plus first aid antibiotic ointment, stays put. When the ointment stays on the wound, it can do its job of killing bacteria and protecting the open wound.
Covering an open wound has quite a few benefits that can help aid in faster healing.
Covering a wound also helps create a more moist environment. This has been shown to aid in quicker and more scar-free healing.
And of course, covering a wound also has the advantage of preventing you from accidentally reinjuring the area. Think of it as a little extra (padded) security if your wound gets hit or is subjected to high friction areas.
Uncovered Wounds
Some people prefer to keep wounds uncovered as they heal. They go by the ole saying “wounds need to breathe.” The problem is an uncovered wound can dry out quickly. Not to mention, and uncovered wound can be reinjured and subjected to bacteria, resulting in a scab and subsequent scar.
So while it’s not a good idea to keep a wound covered for too long, a dry environment won’t stimulate efficient healing.
What to Remember About Covering Wounds
It’s best to keep fresh wounds covered for healing, but remember to first clean the wound with water, then apply Bacitraycin Plus antibiotic ointment, and leave the covering somewhat loose. A bandage that is wrapped too-tight can cut off circulation.
Especially for superficial wounds that are no longer bleeding, pressure bandages aren’t necessary. Also, don’t forget to change the wound covering often to promote a clean environment that will help the wound heal faster.
FAQs
It's best to keep fresh wounds covered for healing, but remember to first clean the wound with water, then apply Bacitraycin Plus antibiotic ointment, and leave the covering somewhat loose. A bandage that is wrapped too-tight can cut off circulation.
Is it better to keep a wound covered or uncovered to heal? ›
Air dries out the wound and promotes cell death, not healing. Covering the wound maintains the natural moisture that helps keep cells alive. An exposed cut will pick up dirt and debris from the air. A wound that heals in a moist environment is less likely to leave a scar.
Should you put bacitracin on an open wound? ›
Antibiotic ointments such as bacitracin and Neosporin may slightly reduce the risk of wound infection and scarring. However, other options may work as well and present fewer risks. Most people do not need to use special ointments on minor injuries as long as they keep their wounds clean.
Should you put a Band-Aid over Neosporin? ›
Treat. Apply a small amount of your choice of NEOSPORIN® antibiotic product on the area. Protect. Cover the treated area with a sterile bandage such as a BAND-AID® product Open link in new window.
Should puncture wounds be covered? ›
A puncture wound is usually left open instead of being closed. This is because a puncture wound can be easily infected, and closing it can make infection even more likely. You will probably have a bandage over the wound.
Do wounds heal faster if left uncovered? ›
Leaving it uncovered isn't in the interest of faster healing, according to Cleveland Clinic plastic surgeon Christi Cavaliere, MD. “Severe wounds cannot heal without moisture.” “Airing out most wounds isn't beneficial because wounds need moisture to heal,” Cavaliere shared.
When should you stop covering an open wound? ›
Change wound dressings often – how long you keep a wound covered depends on the injury, but five days is a good start. “There's a misconception that wounds need to be left open to air out, but it's best to keep wounds covered,” Alyssa said.
Why is Neosporin no longer recommended? ›
Dermatologists don't like antibiotic ointments
Dermatologists are warning people away from using these ointments to treat small, clean injuries, pointing out that they contain common allergens. Other remedies may effectively treat wounds.
What is the fastest way to heal an open wound? ›
Wounds heal faster if they are kept warm. Try to be quick when changing dressings. Exposing a wound to the open air can drop its temperature and may slow healing for a few hours. Don't use antiseptic creams, washes or sprays on a chronic wound.
Why Vaseline on wounds instead of Neosporin? ›
Another study reported that Neosporin was less effective in healing wounds than petroleum jelly (the inactive base ingredient of Neosporin). More research is needed.
Wounds with high chances of infection should be kept open for greater than 24 hours or should not be stitched for adequate cleaning and antibiotic treatment to prevent the risk of infection. Abrasion that occurs when the skin rubs or scratches against a hard surface should be scrubbed and cleaned to avoid infection.
When should you stop putting vaseline on a wound? ›
Continue applying the petroleum jelly until the wound has fully healed. Open wounds heal more slowly. A large wound can take 4 weeks or more to heal. A dressing (e.g. a plaster or gauze & tape) can be applied to protect the wound and keep it clean.
What wounds should be left uncovered? ›
Small cuts and scrapes can be left uncovered, but moisture is usually needed to help speed up the healing process. Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and cover with an adhesive bandage any exposed wounds that might become dirty on the hands, feet, arms or legs.
Do wounds heal faster, dry or moist? ›
In fact, studies show that moist wounds heal 50 % faster than dry wounds. On the other hand, if a wound is exposed to the air, this creates a dry environment that actually promotes cell death, not healing. Wound exudate, or fluid, also plays a vital role in the healing process.
How long should you keep a dressing on a wound? ›
The original dressing should be left in place for up to two days (or as advised by the nurse or doctor), provided it is not oozing. The wound must be kept dry for two days. If the dressing becomes wet from blood or any other liquid, it must be changed.
Will vaseline help heal a wound? ›
To help the injured skin heal, use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist. Petroleum jelly prevents the wound from drying out and forming a scab; wounds with scabs take longer to heal. This will also help prevent a scar from getting too large, deep or itchy.
