If there’s one thing I’ve learned through discussing wound care with my patients over the years, it’s that some of the greatest obstacles are not medical, but myths.
At the Wound Center of Tucson, we handle complex wounds like diabetic ulcers, surgical wounds, and pressure injuries every day. And time after time, we see how outdated beliefs or well-meaning but incorrect advice can slow down healing. Let’s set the record straight on some of the most common wound care myths.
Myth #1: “Let the wound breathe — it heals faster.”
This is one of the most common myths that I encounter. Certainly, small scrapes and cuts will heal without professional intervention, however, the vast majority of wounds that we treat heal faster in a closed environment. Not only do modern wounds bandages, or layered dressings, help to prevent infection, they absorb extra fluid, control bleeding, prevent disruptive friction, and provide the appropriate environment for healing.
Not only do modern bandages, or layered dressings, help to prevent infection, they absorb extra fluid, control bleeding, prevent disruptive friction, and provide the appropriate environment for healing for wounds.Myth #2: “Hydrogen peroxide and alcohol kill the germs.”
If you are injured in an unsterile environment far from medical attention, maybe hiking deep into the desert, I would understand taking this approach. However, in addition to their antibacterial properties, these chemicals can injure healthy tissue that surrounds the wound. In almost every case, gently washing your wound with an antibacterial soap in a clean environment is the best start. Keep a clean bandage on your wound, and change it depending upon how saturated it gets. Watch for signs of trouble like redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.
Myth #3: “It’s a small wound — it doesn’t need much attention.”
Even minor cuts or blisters can become serious if ignored, especially for people with diabetes, poor circulation, or weakened immune systems. I’ve treated patients who thought a small wound was nothing to worry about, only for it to turn into a major infection. Every wound deserves proper care: clean it, cover it, and watch for signs of trouble, like redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.
Myth #4: “Scabs are a sign of healing.”
In many cases, a moist, covered wound heals more efficiently than a wound that scabs immediately. Watch to see that your scab stays in contact with the healthy skin all around your wound. If you see breaks in the scab that refuse to close, this could be a sign of a deeper problem.
Myth #5: “Antibiotics are always needed.”
Not every wound needs antibiotics. Unless there’s clear infection (fever, spreading redness, or pus), antibiotics often aren’t needed. Overusing them can lead to antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat. In most cases, proper wound cleaning, the right dressings, and regular monitoring work better than jumping straight to medication.
Myth #6: “Wet-to-dry dressings are the gold standard.”
This was dogma during my surgical residency years, but wound care and medicine have come a long way since then. At the Wound Center of Tucson, we use advanced dressings that are designed to create the right environment for wound healing. They’re designed to stick less to your tissues, so it’s less painful when they need changing.
Final Thoughts
Good wound care isn’t just about slapping on a bandage, it’s about knowing what truly helps (and what doesn’t). If you or someone you love is dealing with a wound that isn’t healing well, you can’t always rely on old wives’ tales. Get expert advice. Better yet, come see us at the Wound Center of Tucson.
When it comes to healing, science – not superstition – should guide the way.
Dr. Jeff Monash is the founder and medical director of the Wound Center of Tucson. He has years of experience treating complex wounds and helping patients recover with dignity and confidence.
