Wound Care: What to Avoid for Faster Healing

DO NOT do the following when someone has a cut:

- Do not leave the wound open to the air. This can increase the risk of infection and slow down healing.

- Do not use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to clean the wound. These substances can actually damage the tissue and delay healing.

- Do not use a tourniquet to stop bleeding. This can cut off blood flow to the area and cause serious damage.

- Do not apply petroleum jelly or other oily substances to the wound. These can trap bacteria and prevent the wound from healing.

- Do not remove the scab that forms over the wound. This scab is protecting the wound from infection and should be left in place until it falls off naturally.

- Do not pick at or scratch the wound. This can damage the tissue and delay healing.