Proper Wound Healing: Is Disinfecting Enough?
Is disinfecting a wound enough for healing?
While it may be tempting to simply wash and clean a wound, then ‘let nature do the rest’, this can pose several problems. Disinfecting is just one step of the process, and is typically not enough for proper and complete wound healing. This matters because good wound care is essential for speeding up wound healing and preventing complications such as infection and poor scarring.
So, what does proper wound care look like? The following steps should serve as a guide.
Step 01
Cleaning and disinfecting
Begin by cleaning the wound with mild soap and water (or a saline solution) to remove debris, dirt and bacteria. Next, apply an antiseptic solution or disinfectant to further reduce the risk of infection. Read the label (or directions) to find out how much to use, or speak with your family doctor to be sure.
Step 02
Wound care
For many people, disinfecting is where the wound care treatment process stops. However, cleaning the wound isn’t enough. For better healing, you could also use a wound care treatment that creates an optimally moist environment to facilitate the wound-healing process.
This is what Dermatix® Wound Care does. It’s an intelligent hydrogel that forms a barrier on the wound, creating an ideal environment for healing.1 It also offers immediate, cooling relief1 that relieves itching, while also accelerating wound healing and helping to prevent infections.1,2,3
Step 03
Dressing
Finally, apply a suitable dressing to protect the wound from further damage and dirt. Now, just keep your wound clean and moist by reapplying your wound treatment (Dermatix® Wound Care) and changing the dressing daily. Wait until your wound has fully healed before discontinuing this process.
After healing, scar care
Should a scar form after your wound has healed, switch to scar management (with a treatment like Dermatix® Ultra) to lighten, soften and flatten the appearance of the scar.4,5,6
Heal your wounds completely with proper wound care
Remember, your wound care routine shouldn’t stop at cleaning and disinfecting. For optimal results, healthy skin, and to minimise possible scarring, always see your wound treatment through to the end – this includes wound care, dressing and maintaining! Should you have any questions, please speak to your doctor for professional advice.
- Zhang L, et al. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2020 Oct;10(5):1075-1088
- Tan ST and Dosan R. Open Dermatol J 2019;13:34-40.
- Korting HC, et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2011;25(2):130-7
- Yun IS, et al. Aesth Plast Surg (2013) 37:1176-1181
- Chernoff WG, et al. Aesth Plast Surg 2007;31:495-500
- Fulton JE. Silicone gel sheeting for the prevention and management of evolving hypertrophic and keloid scars. Dermatol Surg 1995;21:947-951
