should i keep it covered up?

[Painted_Indian_Horse]

one of my cuts from yesterday is pretty deep--well, for my standards, at least. it's got like 2 definite sides and a wider-than-normal cut that goes a couple millimeters deep. since yesterday it's filled itself with some off-white gel looking stuff, but it doesn't ooze or come out. it's just there. is this just my skin healing or should i be concerned? it hurts to move my arm too much cause the cut is near my shoulder. should i keep it covered or leave it open to the air? :confused:

edit: i also put neosporin(sp?) on it really soon after i cut, could it be that? not the clear stuff

[ShadowGirl]

I think the white stuff might be pus, but I'm not sure. Wash the cut with cool water and soap and cover it with gauze or a cloth. If it doesn't improve, you might want to get it checked out.

[Love.Hate]

Well i would put something on it to keep it from getting caught on something. Do you have any steri-strips? if you do, use them to keep it together so it doesnt scar badly.

[dontcare97]

I have the same thing on my arm. My mom noticed and I lied and said i tripped. she told me to cover it up and sterilize it. A band aid would be good.

[Painted_Indian_Horse]

ok thanks guys. what are steri-strips?

[Love.Hate]

They are little white strips of special plaster material, designed to hold wounds together, so they dont scar as bad.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steri-Strip

[Painted_Indian_Horse]

i should probably get some then. i can't at the moment though

[Love.Hate]

They are always useful to have, until you manage to get some make sure you cover it up with a plaster or bandage, to keep it from catching anything whilst its trying to heal

[Painted_Indian_Horse]

thanks so much Fran, i will :)

[xDarkAngelx]

The same thing has happened to me a couple of times recently when I cut deep. Second time it wouldn't stop bleeding so I covered it(plaster) and next day took it off and had a load of white gel on them both. I just washed them when I had a shower and they seem fine. Then again I'm not exactly bothered if they do become infected.

[Aubrie]

I don't know for sure, but that sounds like it's just part of the healing process if it's not oozing or anything. I would just sterilize it and keep an eye on it. Maybe put a band aid on it for a day or two and then let it air out.