How does a cut heal?
Quick Answer
A cut heals in overlapping stages: blood clots to seal it, white blood cells clean it, new tissue fills the gap and the repair is slowly strengthened over months.
The Full Story
Within minutes of an injury, blood vessels narrow and platelets clump together with a protein called fibrin to form a clot, which dries into a protective scab. Next comes inflammation, lasting a few days, when white blood cells arrive to fight germs and clear away damaged tissue, causing redness and warmth. In the rebuilding stage, new blood vessels grow and cells called fibroblasts lay down collagen, while skin cells creep across the wound to close it. A small, clean cut usually closes within about one to two weeks. The final remodelling stage can go on for a year or more, and scar tissue never becomes quite as strong as the original skin.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Your body's repair crew — what happens under a scab."