Wound Care: Should I Keep My Wound Covered or Uncovered? - Encompass Care North Las Vegas Nevada (2024)

FAQs

Wound Care: Should I Keep My Wound Covered or Uncovered? - Encompass Care North Las Vegas Nevada? ›

Wounds need to be covered so that they can heal properly. When a wound is left uncovered, the new surface cells that are being created can easily dry out.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wounds need to be covered so that they can heal properly. When a wound is left uncovered, the new surface cells that are being created can easily dry out. When these important cells dry out, it tends to slow down the healing process. A wound should be covered using a clean bandage.

Sometimes, doctors decide it's best not to sew up a wound at all. If someone has lost a lot of tissue (like after a serious accident), it's often helpful to leave the wound open to heal through natural scar formation.

If the wound is in an area that will get dirty (such as your hand) or be irritated by clothing (such as your knee), cover it with an adhesive bandage (brand name: Band-Aid), or with a piece of sterile gauze and adhesive tape, or use a skin adhesive (brand name: Band-Aid Liquid Bandage).

Covering the wound keeps it clean. If you have just a minor scrape or scratch, don't cover it. Change the covering. Do this at least once a day or whenever the covering becomes wet or dirty.

What not to do to a wound? ›

Don't use hydrogen peroxide or iodine to clean the cut. They are harmful to the skin and can actually delay healing. Don't leave a cut or scrape exposed to the air.

For rapid hemorrhage control or long wounds with minimal tension, running sutures are the best choice. They can be applied quickly and spread tension along the wound. The disadvantage of running sutures is the risk of dehiscence if part of the suture material ruptures.

A: Airing out most wounds isn't beneficial because wounds need moisture to heal. Leaving a wound uncovered may dry out new surface cells, which can increase pain or slow the healing process.

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.

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.

Once your cut or wound has been cleaned, the next step is to apply antibiotic ointment, such as NEOSPORIN^® First Aid Antibiotic Ointment. Apply a thin layer to your wound to kill bacteria and stop infection before it starts.