Superficial wounds heal best in a clean moisture-controlled environment. The risk of infection in a superficial open skin wound can be minimized by the following strategies:
- Avoid touching the wound
- Cleanse the wound daily using normal saline. Antiseptic washes are not needed unless the wound is dirty to begin with.
- Use a non-stick hydrocolloid wound dressing e.g. Duoderm Extrathin or Silver Impregnated dressing e.g. Mepilex Ag
- Avoid picking on the scab if or when it forms
Most superficial wounds will heal well within 7-14 days with these strategies. Do see a doctor if pus starts to form or if the wound gets progressively tender and painful.
