In fact, wounds heal best in a sterile and moisture-controlled environment.
To list, here are some ways that can help to accelerate the wound healing process:
- Gentle cleansing with normal saline solution.
- Application of a mild antiseptic gel (e.g. octenisan) or antibiotic ointment (e.g. mupirocin)
- Use of a sterile hydrocolloid or non-adhesive dressing such as duoderm or mepilex.
- Avoid picking on the scab that forms.
- Avoid smoking. Nicotine reduces nutritional blood flow to the skin, thus impairing the healing process of the injured tissue [1].
- Ensure proper nutrition and hydration.
References:
1. Silverstein P. Smoking and wound healing. The American journal of medicine. 1992;93(1A):22S-24S. doi:10.1016/0002-9343(92)90623-j
