OtterKnow Kids EncyclopediaWhen you get a small cut or scrape, your body starts fixing it right away! Your body has an amazing ability to repair itself. Most small cuts and scrapes heal all by themselves.
First, your blood has tiny helpers called platelets that rush to the cut and stick together to stop the bleeding. Then a scab forms over the wound like a little shield. The scab keeps dirt and germs out while your body works underneath to grow brand-new skin!
A grownup can help clean a cut with water and put a bandage on it to keep it safe. It is important not to pick at a scab, because your body needs it there while it heals. After a few days, the new skin is ready and the scab falls off on its own!
- Your body is very good at repairing itself!
- Your blood can form a clot to stop bleeding in just a few minutes.
- Your skin replaces itself completely about once a month, which means you are always growing brand-new skin!
