Deep lacerations go beneath the skin through the fat layer or to the muscle layer and may need medical help right away. Lacerations on fingers, toes, or hands are common, and many will heal on their own. Lacerations with fractures should be covered by gauze and an antibiotic ointment.

Do wounds heal faster covered or uncovered?

A handful of studies have found that when wounds are kept moist and covered, blood vessels regenerate faster and the number of cells that cause inflammation drop more rapidly than they do in wounds allowed to air out. It is best to keep a wound moist and covered for at least five days.

Should I keep my laceration covered?

Leaving a wound uncovered helps it stay dry and helps it heal. If the wound isn't in an area that will get dirty or be rubbed by clothing, you don't have to cover it.