Superficial wounds heal best in a clean moisture-controlled environment. The risk of scarring can be minimized by the following strategies:
1. Avoid touching the wound.
2. Cleanse the wound daily using normal saline. Antiseptic washes are not needed unless the wound is dirty to begin with.
3. Use a non-stick hydrocolloid wound dressing e.g. Duoderm Extrathin or Silver Impregnated dressing e.g. Mepilex Ag
4. Avoid picking on the scab if or when it forms
Most superficial wounds will heal well with reduced risk of visible scarring 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.
