I used to think that it was beneficial to prevent anaerobic bacteria from infecting the wound, since exposure to oxygen would limit their growth. My understanding of this is evolving, but it seems that some of the time it is true that a wound needs to “breathe” but that doesn’t mean it should be uncovered.
This article makes it clear that sometimes an “occlusive” bandage (one that completely prevents air/water transfer) is not right, in this case focusing on wounds with impaired circulation.
This article from a bandage manufacturer makes it clear that most of the time occlusive bandages are better, but there are different extents of occlusivity, and the bandage should be matched to the application.
perfectly_boiled_pizza@lemmy.world 3 days ago
It’s an old and widespread myth. I think many people continue to believe it because it’s uncomfortable when the skin/wound under a band-aid gets moist. I only learned that it is bullshit because my mom (a nurse) told me when I tried to do it as a kid.
blazeknave@lemmy.world 3 days ago
I only learned because some person on Lemmy just told me 😬
JackbyDev@programming.dev 2 days ago
We did it, Lemmy!
blazeknave@lemmy.world 1 day ago
Well… Intellectually at least… terrible blister on 5mi hike yesterday… epsom salt bath… shower… Wound is clean but raw AF now… “should Neosporin and bandage”… “nah, let it breathe”… “no! That internet guy said…!”…“umm… but… I’m also lazy.”… let it breathe
perfectly_boiled_pizza@lemmy.world 2 days ago
Wonderful! I hoped that would happen. That was why I linked an article from a well known paper that explaines it in such a way that everybody (not just doctors, nurses, etc.) can read about it. I thought that would be better than asking you to trust a stranger on the web.
Not my first language btw. I don’t know what to call people that work with sick or hurt people.
blazeknave@lemmy.world 1 day ago
My favorite part about here vs reddit is the lack of “shut up know it all”… like, how TF do you learn without people telling you things you don’t know?!