4 Wound Care Myths Dispelled

Virtually everyone will need to care for a wound at some point in their lives, but how you go about wound care can be the difference between healthy healing and infected wounds and scars. If you’re currently dealing with a wound, or if you’re interested in learning proper wound care for the future, it’s time to debunk these 4 myths:

1. Scabs Are a Good Thing

Scabs form over wounds when fluid dries, creating a hardened surface over the wound. While this may seem like a good thing, it can actually slow the healing process. Wounds need to be kept moist in order to heal properly, meaning scabs can be a hindrance. As a result, it’s a good idea to use medicated ointments that have been approved by your doctor on an open wound. These should be applied appropriately throughout the day, and keep the wound properly bandaged.

2. Rubbing Alcohol is Best

Many people use rubbing alcohol to cleanse open wounds, and while this typically does a good job of killing germs, it can also kill skin cells. Additionally, applying rubbing alcohol to an open wound can lead to unnecessary pain when other options would have been just as effective without burning. Instead, run clean water over the wound and have it checked out by a wound care center.

3. Covered Wounds Lead to Scarring

Some people have been led to believe that a covered wound that does not scab over will lead to scarring after healing. The fact is, however, that the opposite is true. A covered wound heals more effectively, especially when kept moist, leading to less of a chance of scarring. Uncovered wounds that scab over have the potential to have the scab removed, either from scratching or by accident, and are therefore more likely to lead to scarring.

4. Deep Wounds Are More Painful

While deep wounds can certainly be painful, they aren’t always more painful than shallow wounds. In some cases, a deep wound will sever nerve endings, meaning they won’t be felt as bad. Again, this is not always the case, but it is a possibility.

If you’ve suffered a wound and you’re concerned about its healing process, or if you would like to learn more about tending to a wound, contact the DFW Wound Care Center. At the DFW Wound Care Center, our experienced medical specialist treats a variety of different wound types, including pressure ulcers, puncture wounds, and more.

To schedule your appointment in Lewisville, TX, call 972-318-2383.