How to Dry Up a Wound
The debate continues between whether it is more beneficial to let a wound air-dry than heal through bandaging. Keeping wounds bandaged is believed to offer faster healing by protecting wounds from air-borne infections and physical trauma. Dry wound healing results in scabbing, and is believed to speed wound recovery by letting the wound breathe, as opposed to smothering it underneath bandages. If you choose to dry a wound, a simple process should be followed.
Stop the wound from bleeding. Keeping your wound from bleeding is the first step in dry healing. Compress the wound with a clean towel or cloth until the bleeding stops, usually for about 30 minutes.
Clean your wound. You cannot heal your wound in any capacity unless it is clean first. Run your wound under cool water to clean out any debris. Pick out any visible pieces with tweezers. According to health information website FamilyDoctor.org, a dirty wound will likely develop an infection and will not heal properly. Gently clean your wound with antibacterial soap, patting dry.
Leave your wound open to the air. Allow your wound to air dry once bleeding has stopped and your wound is clean. Keep your wound protected from infection by washing it several times a day with antibacterial soap until it is fully healed.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing. Your wound cannot dry heal if it is covered by cloth. Avoid bumping or hitting the wound. Your uncovered wound will develop a scab that can easily reopen if struck. A reopened scab is susceptible to infection, and likely to scar.
Let your scab heal naturally. Do not pick or scratch your wound. Dry-healing's final stage occurs when your scab falls off. Scabs will likely take 1-2 weeks to fall, depending on the size of your wound.
If your wound is deep, will not stop bleeding, or is showing signs of infection, see a professional immediately. Signs of infection include pus, severe irritation, and fever. Do not try to heal severe wounds in any capacity at home.