Dressings and More: Guidelines for Topical Wound Management

Treatment of minor wounds from dermatologic procedures: A comparison of three topical wound care ointments using a laser wound model

“…3 This involves keeping the wound clean and maintaining a moist, insulated, and protected wound surface. 3 Common practice for postoperative wound care is the application of a topical antibiotic-based ointment or white petrolatum, which is then reapplied daily. 4 A dressing is typically applied over the wound for 1 to 2 weeks.…”

Wound care in the dermatology office: Where are we in 2011?

“…25 Today, the principles of topical wound therapy involve elimination of necrotic tissue, control of bacterial loads, management of wound exudate, maintenance of open proliferative wound edges, and provision of a moist and protected wound surface (Table II). 26,27 In the dermatology office, the standard of care for the vast majority of minor superficial wounds resulting from removal of benign neoplasms includes cleaning the wound with either a cleanser or irrigation, applying a topical antibiotic ointment, and covering the wound with a dressing. 4,28 There are a few procedures such as laser resurfacing for which there is no well-established standard of care for the treatment of wounds, 29 and treatment is directed by individual circumstances.…”

Management of minor acute cutaneous wounds: importance of wound healing in a moist environment

“…In minor superficial non‐bite injuries, prophylactic antimicrobial substances are abdicable, but if wounds are considered at risk for having a significant bacterial bioburden, prophylactic antibiotics are indicated 12 . If necessary, the wound should be covered for further protection after application of a dressing 72 …”

“…12 If necessary, the wound should be covered for further protection after application of a dressing. 72 Choice of the appropriate dressing…”