Why sores, cuts, and ulcers should be kept moist

Did you know that cells walk? Well, they do move in ways that are a lot like walking when they are trying to fill in that hole in your skin.

Most wound cleansers slow the motility of human cells, and many of them are cytotoxic. This study in News Medical online shows why it is important not to use such cleansers on wounds. Remember, we do not need to kill germs - we can simply remove them from the wound bed. Our first duty as medical professionals is to do no harm. Use saline, tap water, or a 100% non-toxic surfactant (such as the one found in polymeric membrane dressings) to clean wounds and keep them moist to promote cell motility and brisk wound healing.