It helps seal out air, so that the paper cut is not painful while it heals. One caution, though. So if your skin becomes red, inflamed, swollen or sore, discontinue it and see a doctor. Coat it with zinc oxide. It works for paper cuts, too, and you can buy it inexpensively in drugstores.
Zinc oxide is a thick paste that seals out air and makes the cut more comfortable.
Do the night shift. At night you can really gob up the cut with an antibacterial ointment, like Bacitracin, and then cover it with a bandage. And next time, says Dr. Bergfeld, use the letter opener. The information given here is designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. It is not intended as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your doctor.