Would you cover this graze?

[HorsesDoovers]

DS came off his bike yesterday and has a graze on his knee. Cleaned it and covered with a melanin gauze overnight. Today it is weeping clear liquid and my instinct is to leave it to dry out without covering it, but NHS advice seems to be saying cover it. What do you think?

From the NHS website

The liquid is part of the healing process. I'd leave it uncovered but obviously with no trousers etc rubbing against it. Can your DS wear shorts today?

OK thank you, yes will get him to wear shorts and keep it clean today.

That info you just posted, I'd take that more as a wound as in an open cut rather than a graze. A graze doesn't need to 'close' as such. But im obviously not a doctor

The NHS advice is to cover it.

I would cover it with one of those shiny "non-stick" wound dressings for a day or so.

DSs have had loads of weepy grazes from rugby. For the first day it can be really messy!

See that's where I'm confused If I cover it, that liquid won't get a chance to dry out will it? I have plenty of those non stick dressings so cam cover if necessary. Thanks for the replies.

What is he doing today? Lounging indoors I'd keep it uncovered. Outside running around where mud etc might get in it I'd cover it.

He's actually supposed to be in school (Yr 6) but am keeping him at home as he has a full day of PE today. He did a good job of it, bashed his cheek and grazed his hands, so thought a quiet day at home would be best.

Ouch that looks sore! Poor lad!

I'd do as you are planning - not dress it, but have him wear shorts and if he's going to be doing anything that risks it getting dirty etc then I'd put a light dressing on it

Id put a dressing on it.

The body does the healing, it will still heal under the dressing but you dont want it getting infected.

You dont want it to dry out. Dressing it will absorb excess fluid, the fluid helps with healing

You can buy hydrocolloid dressings which are great for keeping grazes clean and stopping them drying out. It will heal better and more quickly if it's kept moist.

I second hydrochloride plasters. They are exactly for this kind of graze. Chemists sell them.

I mean hydrocolloid !