Is Letting Wounds Dry Out Old-Fashioned? 40% Still Believe the "Let Wounds Breathe" Myth: The Risk of Infection from Neglect and Preventative Measures

1. Introduction: Why the "Scab Belief" Persists

As a child, do you remember showing your scraped knee to a parent or teacher and being told, "Don't get it wet. Let it dry in the air"? This advice was common knowledge not only in Japan but also in Brazil and the UK. We were taught that scabs are "nature's band-aid" and that leaving them alone to dry would heal them faster—a belief widely shared for a long time. However, in June 2025, Dr. Zoe Williams, a popular physician on a UK television program, declared, "This is the biggest misconception." An interview article published by Brazil's economic media outlet InfoMoney quickly spread, sparking heated debates on social media.

2. Data Shows the Prevalence of the "Drying" Belief

According to a study by Elastoplast introduced in the article, a significant 40% of 2,000 adults surveyed believed that wounds should be allowed to "breathe." This belief is rooted in the intuitive image that "moisture = bacteria proliferation." However, medically, the opposite is true: drying out dehydrates the regenerating epidermal cells and weakens the barrier function. What is most needed in the healing process is "adequate moisture." Dr. Williams warns, "When you dry it out, the skin surface hardens and cracks, creating a foothold for bacteria to invade."

3. How Wounds Heal: The Science of Moist Wound Healing

When skin tissue is damaged, it goes through four stages of repair: ① hemostasis, ② inflammation, ③ proliferation, and ④ maturation. The key is the process in stage ③ where dermal fibroblasts produce collagen. Numerous studies have confirmed that this cellular activity is maximized in a moist environment. On the other hand, drying causes cells to undergo early apoptosis, making scars more likely to form. Additionally, dry scabs have low oxygen permeability, hindering oxygen supply to the basal layer. Instead of allowing the wound to "breathe," it actually suffocates it.

4. Detailed Explanation of the Doctor's Recommended 5 Steps

1. Handwashing — Wash your hands before the wound. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also acceptable.

2. Cleansing — Remove foreign matter, bacteria, and blood clots with saline solution or running water. Avoid direct application of soap as it can be irritating.

3. Pat Dry — The idea is to "press and remove water droplets," not "dry." Gently use a clean gauze.

4. Covering — Choose a wound dressing larger than the wound. Commercial hydrocolloid pads are easy to handle even for beginners.

5. Monitoring and Medical Consultation — If redness, pain, or exudate increases within 24–48 hours, suspect bacterial infection and visit a clinic.

5. Reactions on Social Media: A Swirl of Surprise and Personal Stories

• X (formerly Twitter)

  • "My mom always told me 'ventilation is important,' but Dr. Williams' explanation changed my world" (@bru_health)

  • "Moist wound healing was a topic in Japan 10 years ago, but seeing the numbers makes it more convincing" (@wound_otaku)

• Instagram

  • Comments flooded a Reel by a scar care specialist nurse asking for ways to resist the temptation to peel off scabs.

• Facebook

  • The official InfoMoney post was shared 12,000 times with comments like "This should be included in children's emergency guidance."
    Overall, the post was met with surprise and a desire to practice the new method, though some skeptical opinions like "moist environments are stuffy and itchy" and "it's costly" were also noted.

6. Why the Myth Survived: Historical Background

In the late 19th century, during the dawn of bacteriology, the misconception that "drying = sterilization" spread even among medical professionals. After World War II, gauze and disinfectants were widely distributed as military supplies, and the field medicine practice of "natural drying is best for large wounds that can't be covered with gauze" flowed back into civilian life. Additionally, the high cost of moist materials like hydrocolloids, which emerged in the 1980s, significantly hindered their general adoption.

7. Challenges of Cost and Access

In Brazil, a 10x10 cm hydrocolloid pad costs about R$12 each, making it more expensive than disposable gauze. In Japan, the price ranges from 300 to 500 yen per pad. On social media, people express concerns like "Replacing them daily would bankrupt me." Dr. Williams points out, "For small cuts, you can leave it on for several days, making it more economical than gauze in the long run." However, for deep wounds with a lot of exudate, frequent changes are necessary, and support through medical insurance and public awareness is essential.

8. Infection Control and the Antimicrobial Paradox

The misconception that "moisture = a haven for germs" is deeply rooted. Indeed, moisture-loving bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be troublesome. However, a moist environment does not immediately trigger infection. The key is maintaining a closed system—blocking new invading bacteria from the outside. Skin-resident bacteria may even work as a "barrier symbiosis."

9. Children's Outdoor Play and First Aid

Questions like "What should parents do when their child falls in the park?" are common on social media. Dr. Williams' answer is simple: "Tap water is fine. Just wash off the mud, apply a pad that fits, and let them play." Research shows that the "stinging pain" from disinfectants raises stress hormones and delays healing. Moist wound healing is useful in reducing children's cries.

10. The Adult "Can't Help Picking" Problem

Even adults find it difficult to resist unconsciously picking at scabs (or artificial eschars) as they heal. The hashtag "#DontPick" on social media features numerous self-control techniques, such as covering the area with a transparent film to make it less visible or writing messages on band-aids to engage in a "no-pick challenge" with children.

11. Perspectives from Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery: To Avoid Scarring

Plastic surgeons emphasize "moisture + rest + anti-tension" as the three pillars of minimizing scars. Moisture aids in early epidermal regeneration, rest (such as taping) suppresses tensile stress, and nutritional supplements like vitamin C promote collagen cross-linking. Guidelines also mandate UV protection, recommending sunscreen for six months post-healing.

12. The Current State of the Wound Care Market and Business Trends

The global wound dressing market is projected to reach approximately $14.5 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%. Especially after COVID-19, the demand for home healthcare has expanded, boosting self-care products. In Brazil, there is a movement for the state-run health insurance SUS to include some wound materials as covered items. In Japan, cases where public health insurance reduces copayments are increasing, and changes are being seen in drugstore shelf allocations.

13. The Battle Against Misinformation: Health Literacy in the Internet Age

On TikTok, dangerous home remedies like "cooling burns with toothpaste" are spreading. Dr. Williams states, "Social media can be a double-edged sword for both education and misinformation dissemination." Correct information dissemination by healthcare professionals and strengthened fact-checking by platforms are future challenges.

14. Conclusion: "Moisture" as the Most Convenient and Scientific First Aid

The era of dry therapy is over. As of 2025, evidence shows that cleanliness, moisture, and occlusion are the fastest and least scarring methods. However, there are many cases, such as deep puncture wounds and ulcers in diabetic patients, that must be managed under medical supervision. When injured, consider the 5 steps introduced here as your "first choice," and if you notice any abnormalities, consult a medical institution promptly.

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