Which is better - leaving a cut open while it is healing, or keeping it covered?

Cover it, then take the cover off once the wound has closed and won’t open back up.

NOT A MEDICAL PROFFESSIONAL. But I am a clumsy person, who often damages my fingertips. A loose bandaid during the day keeps it much cleaner, change the band-aid to a looser one at night, you don’t want to be rubbing it on stuff. If you can have quiet periods of reading (for example) during the day, let it have some air, then cover it again when you get busy. And be more careful with that knife, Young Lady!!!

It depends on your activity and what the open wound will be exposed to. Keep it as dry as possible for the first three days, then remove the bandage and let it air dry.

The object is to keep down bacteria from entering an open wound.

Keep it covered. Wasn’t this just asked?

I’m not sure and I’m not a physician or nurse. Personally I find that when I use hydrogen peroxide on the wound first and then cover it up with a band-aid that they seem to heal faster for me. Try to avoid pressure on the area as well and change the band-aid after taking a shower/bath.

On a finger, cover it to keep infection at bay.

I’d go with a water proof variety. I also always use an antibiotic ointment on wounds that are more exposed (such as a finger/hand wound).

Wash it thoroughly with soap and water. You may want to use an ointment to prevent infection. Keep it covered as long as it is bleeding. Then let it air dry and heal further. If you use your hands a lot and may open the wound again, keep it covered while you’re working and air it again when you aren’t using your hands.

Keep covered until it is dry and closed, and use antibacterial ointment like Bacitracin. Keep it covered longer if it’s a finger to keep it from hurting when you bump it.

Antibacterial ointment and covered. It will reduce scarring.