We were told as children not to pick at scabs, as parents and teachers believed that exposing wounds to the sun would speed up their healing. There was some wise advice in this because picking off scabs with sticky fingers may introduce fresh infection. But these days there is a newer direction called “moist wound healing”. Those crusty little scabs hinder the key drivers of healing that our bodies produce, preventing them from getting to the injured tissue.
As soon as possible, wash the area under warm water for a few minutes. Then apply an antiseptic, preferably an iodine-based liquid, to the wound. The trick is to wipe it on and off, which is easy with a liquid. With ointments or creams, use a cotton bud and spread it over the area, then wipe off. It’s not like icing a cake, but more like cleaning a table with the goal of not leaving puddles or piles. Then cover it, but not with a bandaid, which would be like wrapping hot chips in plastic. Avoid gauze or crepe bandages too as these will stick in the wound and slow healing. One of the newer film or gel dressings is perfect. Even more convenient are the new hydrating gels, which can be applied directly. If you do use a dressing, leave it on as long as possible.
Dressings or bandages can be purchased quite cheaply as individual squares of varying sizes. Moist wound healing also reduces pain, and will prevent or reduce any scarring, and you will be delighted at how much quicker the healing process is.
The same principle of cleaning and covering applies to any area where the skin breaks down: pimples, blisters, bites, scratches and sunburn (I hear there was an outbreak of sun recently!). Watch out for the signs of infection too, which include redness, swelling and heat — head to the doctor if these occur.