(BPT) - By Kyla P. Terhune, MD, MBA, FACS
Every year, countless minor injuries occur in homes, garages and backyards across the country. The immediate instinct for many is to reach for a familiar brown bottle of hydrogen peroxide or a swab of rubbing alcohol to "clean" the wound. As a leader of education at the American College of Surgeons, I want to share a resource developed by experienced surgeons that may lead you to pass on the peroxide.
For decades, these antiseptics were considered a cornerstone of wound care. Medical understanding, however, reveals they often do more harm than good when used inside an open cut or scrape. While effective at killing bacteria, solutions like peroxide, alcohol and iodine can't target "bad" cells. They also attack the delicate new cells your body sends to repair the damage. Harming this fragile tissue can delay healing, increase inflammation and lead to more noticeable scarring. In short, you may be sabotaging your body's attempts to heal.
What should you do when a superficial cut or abrasion occurs?
- Wash your hands. Scrub your hands for 20 seconds with soap then rinse with water. Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Then, gently clean the wound with mild soap and lots of clean, running water. This method effectively flushes out debris and bacteria without harming the wound.
- After patting the area dry, you can apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (if there are signs of infection) or plain petroleum jelly. Follow this process and keep the wound covered with a clean bandage for the first week to ensure it remains moist. A moist environment is proven to heal faster with less scarring than a dry, scabbed one. If it's not healing, call your healthcare provider.
Effective home care of a wound requires more than just proper cleaning. Knowing how to apply the right dressing, when a wound needs stitches and how to spot the early signs of infection are critical skills that can prevent minor injuries from becoming major problems. Some wounds should not be handled at home. Learn when you should call a doctor or go to your nearest emergency room or immediate care center.
If you've had a recent operation, you are likely to have a surgical incision. These also require careful attention to reduce the risk of infection, speed the healing process and enhance your recovery.
The American College of Surgeons has a free Wound Management Home Skills resource that provides comprehensive information and videos to manage everything from simple scrapes to post-surgical incisions. They detail how to stop bleeding, pack a wound, care for stitches and recognize when it's time to call your doctor.
True preparedness is more than having a first-aid kit in your closet; it's about having the correct knowledge to use it. By retiring outdated practices and embracing proven, gentle care, we can all ensure that your wounds heal quickly, safely and properly.
Kyla P. Terhune, MD, MBA, FACS, is Senior Vice President for Education at the American College of Surgeons and an acute care surgeon.
