Wound care is one of those areas in healthcare that often gets overlooked—until it becomes critical. Whether you’re dealing with a minor scrape, a post-surgical incision, or a chronic ulcer, the way you manage a wound can make all the difference in healing time, comfort, and long-term outcomes.

As a Physical Therapist with over 13 years of experience specializing in wound care, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the preventable. I’ve worked with patients across a wide spectrum—from athletes with abrasions to elderly individuals with pressure injuries—and I’ve learned that successful wound management is both an art and a science. In this post, I’ll share my top five professional insights into wound care, along with answers to the most common questions I get asked. Whether you’re a caregiver, clinician, or simply someone who wants to take better care of your skin, these tips are for you.

1. 🧴 Should I Use Antibacterial Ointment?

This is one of the most frequent questions I hear—and the answer is nuanced.

Topical antibacterial ointments like Neosporin, Bacitracin, Polysporin, and Bactroban are widely available and often the first thing people reach for after a cut or scrape. These products contain active ingredients such as bacitracin, neomycin, and mupirocin, which help inhibit bacterial growth and reduce the risk of infection.

Benefits of Antibacterial Ointments:

• They create a moist environment that promotes healing.
• They reduce pain and inflammation.
• They help prevent scarring by protecting the wound from external irritants.

However, these ointments should be used strategically. They’re best suited for superficial wounds—think minor cuts, abrasions, or small surgical incisions. Long-term use can lead to antibiotic resistance or contact dermatitis, especially with ingredients like neomycin, which some people are allergic to.

Pro Tip: Use antibacterial ointments for the first few days of wound healing, then switch to a plain protective dressing once the risk of infection has passed.

2. 🩹 How Do I Know What Dressing to Use?

Choosing the right dressing is one of the most important decisions in wound care—and it’s not one-size-fits-all.

Here’s a guiding principle I always share:

“If it’s wet, make it dry. If it’s dry, make it moist.”

This simple rule reflects the importance of moisture balance in wound healing. Too much moisture can lead to maceration (softening and breakdown of skin), while too little can cause desiccation and delay tissue regeneration.

For Wet Wounds:

• Use foam dressings, alginates, or hydrofiber products to absorb excess exudate.
• These dressings help prevent skin breakdown and keep the wound environment clean.

For Dry Wounds:

• Use hydrogels, moisture-retentive films, or hydrocolloids to rehydrate the tissue.
• These dressings promote autolytic debridement (the body’s natural way of removing dead tissue).

Always assess the wound bed—look at color, moisture level, depth, and surrounding skin. The dressing should support healing without causing trauma during removal.

3. 🧪 Can I Use Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is a household staple, but it’s not always the best choice for wound care.

Its bubbling action can be satisfying to watch—it lifts dirt and debris from the wound surface, making it useful for initial cleaning of contaminated wounds. However, hydrogen peroxide is cytotoxic, meaning it can damage healthy cells, including fibroblasts and keratinocytes that are essential for healing.

When to Use It:

• During the first cleaning of a dirty wound (e.g., gravel, soil, or other contaminants).
• When there’s visible debris that needs to be lifted.

When to Avoid It:

• For routine wound care.
• On clean wounds or healing tissue.

Instead, opt for saline solution, wound cleansers, or sterile water for ongoing wound maintenance. These are gentler and support tissue regeneration without causing harm.

4. 🔄 Do I Use the Same Dressing All the Time?

Absolutely not. Wound care is a dynamic process, and what works today might not be appropriate tomorrow.

Consistent evaluation is key. You should monitor:

• Wound size: Is it shrinking?
• Depth: Is granulation tissue forming?
• Exudate: Is it increasing or decreasing?
• Surrounding skin: Is there redness, swelling, or signs of infection?

If there’s no measurable improvement within two weeks, it’s time to reassess. This could mean:

• Changing the dressing type.
• Adjusting the frequency of dressing changes.
• Consulting a wound care specialist for advanced therapies.

Early intervention can prevent wounds from becoming chronic, reduce the risk of infection, and improve overall healing outcomes.

5. 🫱 Blisters and Calluses: To Pop or Not to Pop?

This is a common dilemma—especially for athletes, hikers, and people with diabetes.

Blisters are the body’s way of protecting damaged skin. The fluid inside acts as a cushion and barrier against infection. In most cases, intact blisters should be left alone.

When to Leave It Alone:

• If the blister is not interfering with movement.
• If it’s not at risk of rupturing.
• If sterile conditions for drainage aren’t available.

When to Drain:

• If the blister is painful or impeding function.
• If it’s likely to rupture on its own.
• If you can ensure clean, sterile conditions and proper aftercare.

Calluses, on the other hand, are thickened areas of skin caused by repeated friction or pressure. While they’re not wounds, they can lead to ulceration if not managed—especially in people with neuropathy or poor circulation.

Pro Tip: Use a pumice stone or emollient creams to gently reduce calluses. Avoid aggressive removal, which can cause skin breakdown.

Final Thoughts: Healing Is a Journey

Wound care isn’t just about applying a bandage—it’s about understanding the biology of healing, choosing the right tools, and staying vigilant. Every wound tells a story, and with the right care, that story can end in recovery—not complication.

Whether you’re treating a minor scrape or managing a complex wound, these principles can guide you toward better outcomes. And remember: when in doubt, consult a wound care specialist. Early action can prevent long-term issues and improve quality of life.