It’s been a time honoured response by parents and caregivers worldwide: clean out that small cut or scrape, stop the bleeding and let it air. This approach was long thought to hasten healing by allowing the body to create a scab, and thus fix itself.
Studies have now revealed that by keeping a small wound covered and moist for at least five days can significantly increase the healing time. It turns out that leaving the wound open creates a dry environment which promotes cell death, while covering the injury and keeping it moist creates an environment that promotes cell regeneration. Additionally, the cover also reduces the number of cells that cause inflammation, thereby further enhancing the healing process.
There is a caveat though; adding antibiotic ointments in the interests of keeping the wound moist can actually interfere with the healing process of the body. It would seem that good old Vaseline is still the best option, just as your grandmother always told you.
