Wound Care Center
Key Reassurances
- Wound care is simple: clean, ointment, bandage, repeat
- Petroleum jelly is as effective as antibiotic ointment for wound healing
- Silicone sheets and sun protection are the most evidence-based scar treatments
- Most wounds heal uneventfully with basic care
Daily Wound Care Protocol
Follow these steps 1–2 times daily until your sutures are removed:
Practical Tips
- Wash hands thoroughly before touching the wound
- Gently clean the wound with mild soap and lukewarm water (or saline if provided)
- Pat dry with a clean gauze or towel. Do not rub
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or prescribed antibiotic ointment
- Cover with a non-stick bandage (Telfa pad) and secure with paper tape
- Change the dressing if it becomes wet or soiled
Scar Optimization
What you do in the first months after surgery can significantly influence your final scar quality:
| Intervention | When to Start | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone sheets/gel | 2–4 weeks post-op | Reduces hypertrophic scarring, well-supported by evidence |
| Sun protection (SPF 30+) | Immediately | UV causes permanent hyperpigmentation in healing scars |
| Scar massage | 2–4 weeks post-op | Softens and flattens scar tissue; 2–3 min, 2–3x daily |
| Hydration/moisturizer | After suture removal | Keeps scar tissue supple during healing |
What to Avoid
During the healing period, avoid these to optimize your outcome:
What the Evidence Shows
- Hydrogen peroxide and alcohol on the wound. They damage healthy tissue and delay healing
- Picking at scabs or crusts. Let them separate naturally
- Submerging the wound in water (pools, baths, hot tubs) until fully healed
- Direct sun exposure on the scar for 12+ months
- Smoking. Significantly impairs wound healing and scar quality
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About This Article
Author: Dr. Yehonatan Kaplan, M.D., Fellow ACMS
Last Medical Review:
Audience: Patients
Clinic: Kaplan Clinic · DermUnbound Research Program