Summary of "Everything We Learned About Healing is WRONG, Here’s Why"
Key Wellness Strategies and Self-Care Techniques for Wound Healing
Moist Healing vs. Dry Healing
Contrary to traditional advice to dry out wounds and let scabs form, keeping wounds moist speeds up healing, reduces pain, and minimizes scarring. Moist wounds heal approximately twice as fast as dry wounds.
- Scabs slow healing by creating a barrier that forces new skin cells to tunnel underneath, delaying recovery.
- Moist environments allow cells to move freely and benefit from exudate, a nutritious fluid that soothes nerves, delivers immune cells, and removes dead tissue.
Advanced Wound Dressings
Traditional cotton bandages and rubbing alcohol are outdated and often harmful. Modern dressings use hydrocolloid technology, which combines gelatin-like polymers that absorb fluids while maintaining a moist environment.
Hydrocolloid bandages:
- Waterproof and adhesive all over (not just edges)
- Maintain optimal moisture without causing maceration (skin breakdown from too much moisture)
- Provide protection against bacteria and physical impact
- Examples: Band-Aid HydroSeal, Convatec DuoDERM Extra Thin
Calcium alginate dressings:
- Seaweed-based dressings that help stop bleeding faster by releasing calcium ions to promote clotting
- Useful for nosebleeds and deeper cuts
Important: Avoid using cotton gauze directly on wounds as it can stick and damage healing tissue.
Wound Cleaning
- Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide kill bacteria but also damage healthy tissue, slowing healing.
- Tap water (if of drinkable quality) is safe and effective for cleaning fresh wounds by rinsing away bacteria rather than killing it.
- Infection risk is more about bacteria being trapped inside wounds (biofilms) than the mere presence of bacteria.
- Keeping wounds moist and covered reduces infection rates by preventing scab formation, which can trap bacteria.
Understanding Infection
- Deeper puncture wounds (e.g., cat bites) are more prone to infection because bacteria get trapped inside and form protective biofilms.
- Wounds that stay open allow bacteria to be flushed out more easily.
- Proper wound care involves removing dirt and dead tissue and sometimes using special techniques to keep wounds open for drainage.
Practical Tips for First Aid Kits
- Upgrade to hydrocolloid bandages for everyday cuts and scrapes.
- Include calcium alginate dressings for bleeding control.
- Avoid fabric/cotton bandages and rubbing alcohol.
- Consider gel bandages for additional wound care support.
Mental Health and Healing
Healing involves both body and mind. Therapy can be an important tool for mental well-being and coping with struggles.
- BetterHelp offers accessible, flexible online therapy matching with credentialed therapists, removing barriers to starting therapy.
Bullet Point Summary
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Moist wound healing:
- Keeps wounds moist to heal faster with less pain and scarring.
- Prevents scab formation, allowing cells to move freely.
- Uses exudate to nourish and protect the wound.
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Modern wound dressings:
- Hydrocolloid bandages (gelatin-based) maintain optimal moisture.
- Waterproof, fully adhesive, and protect wounds better than fabric bandages.
- Calcium alginate dressings stop bleeding quickly.
- Avoid cotton gauze and rubbing alcohol on wounds.
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Wound cleaning:
- Use tap water to rinse wounds, not harsh antiseptics.
- Rinsing removes bacteria rather than killing it.
- Infection risk linked to trapped bacteria and biofilms.
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Infection insights:
- Deep puncture wounds (cat bites) more prone to infection.
- Keeping wounds open or covered properly helps prevent infection.
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First aid kit upgrades:
- HydroSeal Hydrocolloid bandages.
- DuoDERM Extra Thin hydrocolloid sheets.
- Calcium alginate dressings for bleeding.
- Avoid traditional cotton and rubbing alcohol.
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Mental health care:
- Therapy is crucial for overall healing.
- BetterHelp simplifies access to therapy with personalized matching and easy switching.
Presenters and Sources
- Andrew Lam (Biology major, wound care enthusiast, video creator)
- Dr. Winters (1962 wound healing researcher)
- Dr. Natsui Makoto (Plastic surgeon and moist healing advocate)
- BetterHelp (Online therapy platform, video sponsor)
Category
Wellness and Self-Improvement
