It's an old piece of advice that many people believe: Wounds need air to heal faster.
But according to Dr. Zoe Williams, an NHS doctor in London and regular doctor on ITV's This Morning, leaving a wound uncovered (without a band-aid) not only slows healing, but can cause serious infections and even sepsis.
She warns that even the smallest cuts can become infected by bacteria and germs during everyday activities such as showering, bathing or swimming.
“Not covering a wound is one of the biggest mistakes you can make,” said Dr. Williams.
What should be done?
The doctor emphasizes that the best way to treat a wound is:
Clean it well (by washing your hands, rinsing the wound with clean water or a special wound spray, and drying it with a clean cloth).
Cover it with a bandage to create a clean, moist environment that aids healing and prevents the formation of scars.
She recommends hydrocolloid plasters, which:
They retain moisture.
They relieve pain.
They last longer.
If you are allergic to adhesive tape, you can use medical bandages or gauze, which you can buy at the pharmacy.
Common mistakes:
A survey of 2,000 adults in the UK, conducted by the company Elastoplast, found that:
42% mistakenly believe that wounds need to "breathe"
Only 14% knew that wounds heal better when they are covered and moist
1 in 3 people have touched the wound before washing their hands
As a result, 19% experienced scars, 17% infections, and 16% swelling after cuts or scrapes.
Where do injuries most often occur?
According to the survey, the most common places where cuts and injuries occur are:
Homework/DIY – 39%
Walking or hiking – 27%
Team sports – 23%
Cycling or mountain biking – 19%
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