How does your skin heal a cut?
First a clot plugs the cut. Then immune cells clean out germs and debris, repair cells weave new tissue underneath, and fresh skin cells slowly crawl across from the edges until the gap is closed.
A clot seals the gap
Within minutes, tiny blood cells called platelets clump together at the cut, and a mesh of sticky fibers traps red blood cells. This clot stops the bleeding and later dries into a scab.
Share this stepImmune cells clean the wound
White blood cells rush in to swallow bacteria, dirt and damaged cells. The extra blood flow is why a fresh cut looks red, warm and slightly swollen.
Share this stepNew tissue fills in from below
Repair cells move in and spin collagen fibers, a kind of biological scaffolding. New tiny blood vessels grow in to feed the work, and the wound slowly pulls together.
Share this stepSkin crawls across the gap
Skin cells at the edges multiply and creep across the wound underneath the scab, until they meet in the middle. Then the scab falls off on its own.
Share this stepYour skin rebuilds itself, layer by layer.
Clotclean-upnew skin
A small cut usually closes in about a week, but the tissue underneath keeps strengthening for months. Deeper cuts heal with tougher collagen, and that’s what a scar is.
Common follow-up questions
Should I let a cut air out or cover it?
Clean it, then cover it. Wounds kept clean and slightly moist under a bandage usually heal faster and scar less than ones left to dry out.
Why do healing cuts itch?
New nerve fibers and the chemicals released during healing irritate the area. Try not to scratch, as it can reopen the wound.
Should I pick off the scab?
No. The scab protects the new skin growing underneath. Picking it off can slow healing and make a scar more likely.
When does a cut need a doctor?
If it’s deep or gaping, won’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure, was caused by something dirty or rusty, or shows signs of infection like spreading redness, pus or fever.
