When it comes to wound care, most people know the basics: clean the area, apply a dressing, and keep it protected. However, there are lesser-known techniques that can significantly enhance healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Whether you're a healthcare worker, caregiver, or someone managing an occasional scrape at home, here are six wound care tips you probably didn't learn from a first-aid kit.
1. You Can Reposition a Skin Flap to Help Heal Skin Tears Faster
In many cases of skin tears, you do not need to cut off the flap of loose skin. You can gently lay it back in place to help the body heal more naturally.
When the top layers of skin peel away, which is common in elderly individuals or those on long-term steroids, clean the wound with sterile saline or a wound cleanser. Then, place the skin flap back as closely as possible to its original position. This is called approximating the skin, and it lets the body reattach and heal more effectively.
Cover the wound with a non-adherent dressing, such as Adaptic or Mepitel. Avoid putting adhesive directly on fragile skin since it can cause more damage.
2. Do Not Squeeze Abscesses or Ingrown Hairs, as It Can Worsen Infection
It is tempting to squeeze an abscess or ingrown hair, but this can actually push the infection deeper into the surrounding tissue. This may lead to increased inflammation, more pain, and potentially the spread of bacteria into the bloodstream.
Instead, apply a warm compress several times a day to encourage natural drainage. If the area becomes more red, swollen, painful, or develops a fever, it is time to seek medical help. Some infections need to be drained professionally under sterile conditions.
3. Hydration and Nutrition Play an Important Role in Wound Healing
Skin does not heal without proper nutrition. Protein, vitamin C, zinc, and enough hydration are all vital for wound healing. For chronic wounds or pressure injuries, paying attention to nutrition is just as important as what you apply to the skin.
Make sure you drink enough water, get sufficient calories, and consume high-quality protein from sources like eggs, lean meats, legumes, or nutritional shakes. For older adults or those with a poor appetite, using protein supplements that are already broken down into amino acids can be very helpful. These pre-digested formulas provide the body with building blocks needed for tissue repair and may be absorbed more efficiently than whole proteins.
A poor diet can stall wound healing for weeks, no matter how advanced your wound care strategy is.
4. For Pressure Injuries, Repositioning Is the Most Important Intervention
No dressing, no matter how advanced or expensive, will heal a pressure injury if the person remains lying on it.
Repositioning every two hours, or more often if necessary, is essential to relieve pressure and restore blood flow to affected areas. Use pressure-relieving cushions and specialized mattresses when possible, but manual repositioning is the gold standard for treatment and prevention.
Moisture control and proper nutrition go hand in hand with pressure relief to support successful healing.
5. Avoid Soap and Harsh Antiseptics on Open Wounds
While it may seem logical to clean wounds with soap or even hydrogen peroxide, these can actually harm healthy tissue and delay healing. Harsh soaps, alcohol, and antiseptics can dry out the wound bed and damage new cells trying to form.
Instead, use sterile normal saline or a wound cleanser specifically designed for skin and wound care. You can gently clean the surrounding skin with a mild, fragrance-free soap, but avoid applying it directly to the wound.
Keeping the wound bed moist and clean supports faster healing and lowers infection risk.
6. Blisters from Pressure Should Be Protected, Not Popped
If you find a fluid-filled blister on a pressure point such as the heel, sacrum, or hip, do not pop it. A closed blister acts as a natural barrier, protecting the injured tissue underneath from infection and further trauma.
As long as it is not infected, leave it intact and cover it with a hydrocolloid or foam dressing. These dressings cushion the area, reduce friction, and allow the fluid to be reabsorbed naturally. Reducing pressure on the affected area is crucial. Turning schedules, cushioning, and mobility aids all help lessen pressure and promote healing.
Final Thought
Wound care is more than just applying a bandage. It involves understanding how the body heals and supporting that process with thoughtful, evidence-based practices. From repositioning a skin flap to resisting the urge to squeeze a bump, small changes in your wound care approach can make a significant difference.
Whether dealing with a pressure injury, skin tear, or stubborn blister, these tips can help improve healing, minimize complications, and increase comfort for the person receiving care.
Need help selecting the right dressing or creating a wound care plan? Consult with your healthcare provider or see a wound care specialist.
