In order to know how does a cut heal we ought to know how do we get them in the first place. Cuts from a sharp knife or a piece of glass are very common. They often occur while people are preparing food, washing dishes, or even crafting. All it takes is a slip of the knife or a dish breaking, and suddenly there’s blood. However, while these types of cuts are startling, most can be safety treated at home.
Most minor cuts heal in one week or less; however, if your cut is longer than three-fourths of an inch, more than a quarter inch deep, or won’t stop bleeding, seek immediate medical attention.
When you cut yourself, blood flows out of the wound from blood vessels in your flesh. If the cut is small, the bleeding stops rather quickly. When blood is exposed to the air, it thickens, or clots.
This plugs up the wound so that you don’t lose too much blood. It also keeps out harmful germs and bacteria that might cause an infection.
The clot hardens until it forms a hard, strong scab. The scab provides a protective covering while the wound is healing. Under the scab, new skin tissue grows and repairs the cut. The scab falls of when the cut has healed.
Not all wounds heal equally. Generally speaking, most small cuts, scrapes, or abrasions will heal well without any special care, within a week. More serious wounds take longer to heal.
Individual factors also influence how quickly your body is able to recover from a wound, including:
• Age — young usually heal faster than older folks.
• Nutrition — the body needs a good supply of vitamin C to make collagen.
• Other infections or illnesses — diabetes, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, and poor circulation, for example, can decrease the body’s ability to heal.
Now you truly know does a cut heal and how to treat a cut or scrape properly and you’re ready for your next adventure.
Content for this question contributed by Lisa Daniels, resident of Boonville, California, USA
