Dermatologist reveals 'mistake everyone makes' with cuts that 'causes scars'

According to dermatologist Dr Sam Ellis, proper treatment of cuts and scrapes is crucial to avoid scarring and infection, while also aiding faster healing.

She was compelled to share her expertise after a conversation with her best friend left her shocked. The pal had asked whether it was right to 'air' out a wound for better healing.

Dr Ellis shared with her TikTok followers: "The conversation I just had with her made me realise that as a dermatologist most people don't know how to take care of cuts and scrapes."

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Her friend had taken a tumble in the garden, resulting in scraped knees and arms. Dr Ellis relayed: "She called me and was like 'what do I do?' She said she had cleaned it really well and should she just let it air out now.

"We do not let cuts and scrapes just 'air out'. When you do this you actually delay wound healing and it can make your scar a lot worse."

For the best healing and minimal scarring, Dr Ellis advised several steps. Firstly, any cut or scrape should be thoroughly washed using soap and water, dried gently, then a thin layer of an unmedicated ointment should be applied - a product such as Vaseline could serve as a protectant, emollient, or lubricant.

It's essential to keep the wound covered with a plaster, which must remain in place. This process should be repeated every 24 hours until a fresh layer of skin covers the wound.

She said: "This process might feel a little annoying to do, you may feel like you're slowing down the wound healing because you're not getting that satisfying, crusty, thick scab but I promise you it will make the scar so much better."

People were delighted by Dr Ellis' guidance. One individual commented: "I didn't know this till I worked for a Derm. I tell people what my coworker would say to patients 'skin cells are like grass, they can't grow in dry ground'."

Additionally, another stated: "Wound care nurse! The amount of yelling I have done re: airing it out. Vaseline is magic!"