2. Keep the wound covered
According to experts, it’s okay to keep some mild wounds uncovered. However, if the injury is in an area prone to get dirty or irritated, placing gauze or bandage over the wound is the better option.
For kids who cannot stay still or remain conscious of their wound, it’s best to keep the wound covered for a while. Change the bandage daily or when it gets wet or contaminated.
Covering the scrape, cut, or burn reduces the risk of infection. This is crucial because infection prolongs the inflammation phase of wound healing and increases the risk of scarring.
Additionally, keeping wounds moist and covered during the early healing phase appears to hasten wound healing and decreases the risk of scar formation.
3. Apply petroleum jelly
If you have plain petroleum jelly at home, you can also apply it over the wound to retain moisture and form a protective barrier. You can apply a bandage or gauze afterward, if needed.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, petroleum jelly prevents the wound from forming a scab. They explain that wounds that form scabs take a longer time to heal.
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