You scrape your knee. You rinse it off, let it dry out, maybe slap on some ointment. It’s how most of us were taught to treat a cut, but it’s actually not the best way to heal. Here are the 10 most common wound care myths we hear from our patients at Shirah Surgical and what we tell them to do instead.
Myth #1: Let the wound air out so it can breathe.
One of the most common wound care myths is that leaving a wound uncovered helps it heal faster. The idea is that “fresh air” allows the wound to breathe and dry out, speeding up recovery. In reality, this approach does more harm than good.
Wounds actually heal more efficiently in a moist, protected environment. When you leave a wound open, it can dry out and form a hard scab. While scabs are a natural part of healing, they also slow down skin cell growth and increase the chance of scarring. Worse, exposing a wound to the air leaves it vulnerable to dirt, bacteria, and repeated irritation.
Here’s what to do instead:
- Gently clean the wound with saline or mild soap and water.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or wound ointment (if recommended by your doctor).
- Cover with a clean, sterile bandage or dressing.
- Change the dressing daily or if it becomes wet or dirty.
- Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pus.
Myth #2: Hydrogen peroxide or alcohol helps clean wounds.
Many people still reach for hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to disinfect cuts and scrapes. It’s what we were taught. But in reality, both are too harsh for healing skin. These solutions don’t just kill bacteria; they damage healthy tissue too, which can slow healing and increase scarring.
You might see bubbling and think it’s working, but that reaction is actually a sign of tissue damage. Instead of speeding up recovery, it irritates the wound bed and delays the natural healing process. Hydrogen peroxide has its place in cleaning surfaces, not the skin. When it comes to wound care, gentle is better.
Here are better wound cleaning options:
- Rinse the wound with clean running water or sterile saline.
- Use mild, fragrance-free soap around the wound, not inside it.
- Pat dry with a clean towel or gauze before dressing.
Myth #3: Scabbing means it’s healing.
Scabs are often mistaken as a good sign, but they’re not always helpful. A scab forms when a wound dries out, creating a crust that protects it from the outside. While that might sound like healing, it actually slows it down. Scabs block new skin cells from moving across the wound and can increase the chance of scarring. They can also crack or reopen if bumped, leading to further irritation.
Wounds heal best when they stay moist and covered. A moist environment keeps tissues flexible, supports cell growth, and helps the skin regenerate more efficiently.
To reduce scabbing, do these three things:
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment.
- Cover the wound with a sterile, non-stick bandage.
- Change the dressing daily or whenever it gets wet or dirty.
Myth #4: Antibiotic ointment is always necessary.
It’s easy to assume that antibiotic ointments are a must for every cut or scrape, but they’re not always needed. Overusing products like Neosporin or Polysporin can lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, or even antibiotic resistance over time. For small, clean wounds, keeping the area moist with plain petroleum jelly works just as well.
That said, there are times when an antibiotic ointment is helpful, especially if the wound is at risk of infection or exposed to dirt. But for routine care, simpler is better. If you notice redness, swelling, or pus, that’s when it’s time to use an antibiotic product or see a doctor.
Myth #5: If the wound isn’t bleeding much, it doesn’t need attention.
Just because a wound isn’t bleeding doesn’t mean it’s not serious. Some punctures or scrapes barely bleed but can still introduce bacteria deep into the skin. Even small cuts can become infected if not cleaned and cared for properly.
Every wound, no matter how minor, needs attention. That means rinsing it thoroughly, applying a clean dressing, and keeping an eye out for signs of infection like redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. When in doubt, clean and cover it. It’s better to be cautious than to ignore a wound that quietly worsens.
Myth #6: You only need to clean a wound once.
Cleaning a wound once isn’t enough. Dirt, bacteria, and dead tissue can build up over time, especially if the wound is open for more than a day. A one-time rinse won’t protect against infection if the area isn’t checked and cleaned regularly.
Wound care is an ongoing process. You should gently clean the wound at least once a day, or more often if the bandage gets wet or dirty. After cleaning, reapply ointment if needed and cover with a fresh, sterile dressing. Consistent care is what prevents infection and keeps healing on track.
Myth #7: You should always pop blisters to drain them.
It might be tempting to pop a blister, especially if it’s large or uncomfortable, but unless it’s at risk of bursting on its own, it’s best to leave it alone. The skin over the blister acts as a natural barrier against infection. Popping it too soon can expose the raw skin underneath, increasing your risk of pain, infection, and delayed healing.
If a blister does need to be drained, say, it’s painful or interfering with movement, it should be done carefully and with clean tools. Otherwise, let it heal on its own.
Here are 5 steps to drain a lister:
- Wash your hands and the blister with soap and water.
- Use a sterilized needle (clean with alcohol) to gently puncture the edge.
- Let the fluid drain; don’t remove the overlying skin.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a clean bandage.
- Change the dressing daily and watch for signs of infection.
Myth #8 More bleeding means worse injury.
Bleeding can look scary, but it doesn’t always reflect the severity of a wound. Shallow cuts in areas with lots of blood vessels, like the face or scalp, often bleed more than deep injuries elsewhere. On the flip side, puncture wounds or deeper cuts may bleed very little but carry a higher risk of infection or internal damage.
Don’t judge a wound by the blood alone. If it’s deep, won’t stop bleeding after 10–15 minutes of pressure, or was caused by something dirty or sharp, call your wound care experts for immediate medical attention.
Myth #9: You can’t shower with a wound.
You don’t have to avoid showers completely just because you have a wound. In most cases, it’s perfectly fine to get it wet briefly, especially if it’s covered or already scabbing over. Clean, running water can actually help rinse away bacteria.
But it’s important to avoid soaking, scrubbing, or exposing the wound to dirty water. After showering, gently pat the area dry and replace the dressing if needed. Baths, hot tubs, and pools are a different story, so skip those until your wound fully heals.
Myth #10 If it’s red, it’s infected.
A little redness around a healing wound is normal, especially in the first day or two. It’s part of the body’s natural inflammatory response and doesn’t always mean infection. What you’re watching for is redness that spreads, feels warm to the touch, or comes with swelling, pus, or increasing pain.
Those are signs something’s wrong. Don’t panic at the first sign of pink, but do pay attention if it changes or gets worse over time. Is your wound infected? Here are the early signs of wound infection.
Worried About a Wound That Won’t Heal?
We’re here to help. Contact us at (480) 531 – 1681 for expert wound care in Arizona. We serve patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding areas, including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, and Peoria, AZ.