for eMaxHealth(NC) - It's a challenge to know how to properly treat life's little cuts and scrapes. With the vast amount of information available, it's tough to know if a wound should be covered up, left to the open air, kept moist or left to scab over.
Here are some common myths and truths about the treatment of wounds to help get you on the path to better healing.
To Bandage or Not to Bandage
Myth: The best way for a cut to heal is to keep it exposed to allow a scab to form.
Truth: Use a bandage to help a wound heal faster. The protective covering of a bandage forces the cut back together. A scab is dry skin that acts as a wedge forcing the broken skin apart, making it more difficult for wounds to heal quickly, without scarring. Scabbing shouldn't happen because dry, crusted wounds don't heal as fast and studies have shown that wounds covered with a bandage have lower rates of infection.
Keep It Moist
Myth: When treating a wound, keep skin as dry as possible.
Truth: Moist skin heals fastest because the task of healing a wound requires the activity of cels. Cells cannot function in a dry environment. They need moisture to do their repair work.
As the wound dries out, it begins to crust, forming a scab causing the cells to work harder to repair the injury. The key to healing a cut is maintaining the right amount of moisture. Keeping the cut covered with a bandage and adding a medicated ointment will ensure it stays moist.
Scrub Time
Myth: Always let blood run through a cut to disinfect the area.
Truth: It is important to keep the area around the cut or scrape clean and to remove excess oil, dirt and grime from the skin that may prevent the bandage from sticking. Carefully cleanse the affected area with water, add a medicated ointment and then quickly apply a protective bandage.
Taking it Off
Myth: The best way to rip a bandage off is in one quick pull.
Truth: It's actually better to pull the bandage off slowly and in the direction of natural hair growth. If the bandage is difficult to remove, dab the edges with baby oil or rubbing alcohol to allow the bandage to lift off with ease. Ripping the bandage off could cause the wound to reopen.
"To ensure minor wounds heal properly, the right steps need to be taken," says Stephanie Neskas, Brand Manager for Nexcare products at 3M. "Once a cut or scrap has been carefully cleaned, the appropriate bandage should be applied. To get the best results, Nexcare has a full assortment of bandages including the Waterproof, Comfort and Active bandages that are designed to adhere to the skin to provide complete healing action no matter what you are doing."
For more information on safety and healing tips, visit www.nexcare.ca
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- News Canada
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Comments
#1 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
This is one f'd up comments page considering the topic
#2 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
I was cutting myself but my boyfriend told me if I don't stop he can't handle worrying about me so I'm going to try to heal for him. If anyone has advice, I would really appreciate it, thanks!
#3 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
I have the same problem. Using germoline cream is quite quick for me, don't scratch them, and plus my sister has stretch marks, she said when my scabs fully heal I can use that. It SLOWLY gets rid of the scars, but you have to stick to it. Plus, do get help of some sort of counciling, so it doesn't start again. I haven't been allowed by my Mum, and this is the forth time I've relapsed, so get a counciller! Plus, sudocrem or how ever you say it, the baby bum cream works amazing! Shame we ran out :L
#4 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
You should seek professional counseling to understand why you would do that and to help you stop.
#5 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
My husband threw a hedge-trimmer at me, and I have gashes and bruises all over my leg! A neighbor (also working in his yard called 911 from a cell phone), so the cops ended up going to the wrong house! (We had to hide, cuz this would be a felony, and I could not afford to get him out of jail, and stuff)! Since there are 2 eye witnesses, I am afraid to be treated! Trying to butterfly it all together! :(
#6 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
you should date me i only throw knifes
#7 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
I can't even believe someone who post such nonsense. Dump the loser.
#8 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
): what kind of husband would throw a hedge trimmer at his wife? he sounds like a nasty piece of shit.
#9 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
Why would you want to get him out of Jail????
#10 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
Oh please get treated and report this to the police. The next time his abuse may be worse.
#11 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
Aloe vera & cocoa butter...do not cover...heal quickly leaving no scars or marks! Works very well!
#12 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
wowie nice to know
#13 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
i have very bad scars on my legs just seem ta be al cut and scared all the time! and have strech marks (very bad, on my chest and legs as well as my belly from my pregnancy) and i find pure vitamin E oil from the heath store is fantastic!!
#14 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
I haved used items found in my kitchen for healing with great chemical free results.
For MINOR skin blemishes I tape a piece of banana peel, the inner part touching skin, overnight. Use a new piece daily and continue for as long as it takes. Works well for warts also.
Cold pressed ORGANIC coconut oil, juice or flesh from REAL aloe vera or a paste made from water and powdered golden seal have also helped with scaring. If in a pinch use a wet teabag of golden seal, place on skin, leave on overnight. These will soften scar and promote healing. Use as needed. Can be used jointly.
As with any treatment, research and consult medical advice before doing ANYTHING.
#15 i'll try
i'll try what it sad about the moisture and band aid BUT! if that does not work i'll try the one you guys said about the raw patato.
#16 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
I know that my tattoo artist always tells people to keep the bandages on for 4 days, cleaning and changing regularly, then just washing and reapplying regularly. He says it always makes the tattoo heal faster.
#17 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
If the area becomes sore or red, looks to be infected please contact your doctor for him to put you on antibiotics. Creme (triple antibiotic) and other won't always work.
#18 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
wooooooooooooooooo
#19 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
woooooooooooo
#20 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
This is all may be the opposite. All the MYTHS are the TRUTHS and the truths are MYTHS! Seriously! im 97 yrs old and all the myths have been working jus fine for me still healthy and living :) the real trick is: CLEAN LIVING!
#21 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
Best response I've ever heard
#22 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
i highly doubt that you are 97 years old.
#23 Re: Healing Cuts and Scrapes: The myths and truths revealed
Rubbing a raw potato over any scars or blemishes help. You can google this and follow the instructions. I have tried it and it does work.
#24 Alergic to Nexcare sterile bandaid
I had a cyst removed on my chest less than a week ago. My doctor told me to cover it after showering with a bandaid for at least a week. I used several different brands and the latest one Nexcare CE0086 Sterile bandaid has caused a rash around the area where the strips go not the area with the white pad.
It is very red and sore, I think I must be alergic to the material the strip is made from, it says it is not laytex.
I have been online all morning looking for information, please help.
Susan
#25 Re: Alergic to Nexcare sterile bandaid
you're probably allergic to the adhesive or glue...I heard corn is used to make them, my dad had the same problem with medical tape...
#26 THANK YOU SO MUCH!
a person very close to me has been cutting for around five years and just recently almost died from it. they decided after this last time that they were done with it for Good! im proud of them and trying to help 'em heal as fast as possible and hopefully they can prevent a few scars. so thanks again. much appreciation.
#27 Re: THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Im glad to here that, if their scars are evident and they want them gone have them apply liquid vitimin E and cover it while they sleep, it takes a few applications but it works
#28 Thanks!
I am so glad I found this article. I have been reading and reading online. I have friends and family telling me one thing and doctors something different. I have been keeping it covered but one friend told me her doctor told her it can't be wet all the time because it will never heal correct, it needs air to properly heal. I have a facial scrape (allllll over my chin) from a fall this weekend. I am very worried about scars on my face and just want to do the right thing from the start. Its much harder to get rid of a scar later on..
If anyone has another one advice, I'm totally open to it!
Thanks!
V