After you clean and dry the cut, you should apply a protective covering such as a bandage or sterile dressing to keep the wound clean, moist, and prevent contamination. Applying petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment before covering can aid the healing process and keep the wound moist. It is important to keep the bandage clean and change it regularly, especially if it gets wet or dirty. This protection also helps prevent the wound from reopening and reduces the risk of infection. Avoid exposing the cut to air without a bandage and avoid using harsh antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide on the wound itself. Additionally, keeping the wound moist and covered usually helps it heal faster and with less scarring.
