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Myth 1. Wounds heal with air 

Airing out skin wounds to help them heal faster is a common myth. Contrary to popular belief,  using dressings for wound care is beneficial as it shields the wound and reduces infection rates  by minimizing exposure to harmful germs.1,2 

Myth 2. Wounds must stay dry  

Contrary to this myth, wounds need to stay moist for the best healing and generation of new cells, rather than being overly wet or completely dry.1,3 Using a cream, such as Povidone-Iodine  (BETADINE®) 5% Cream, helps ensures that the wound is kept moist not dry, and helps to create  a better wound healing environment.4 Another option is Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 10% Ointment.13 

Myth 3. Rubbing alcohol is best for wound cleaning/disinfection 

Alcohol, while effective for disinfecting instruments, is too harsh for wounds. It can indeed kill germs but it also harms skin cells, slowing the healing process.5-6

For a more sensible choice, opt for a topical antiseptic like Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 10% Wound Solution – it has no alcohol so there’s no stinging and it kills 99.99% of bacteria and fungi based on lab data of tested pathogens.7-9 "Stinging" refers to the presence of alcohol which had been reported to cause stinging sensation. 
  

Myth 4. Seawater is good for wound disinfection

Now why would seawater be bad for wound care or wound healing if doctors and nurses use  saline solutions to clean skin injuries? The answer is simple. Saline solutions are sterile while  seawater is not.1,10 Keep Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 10% Wound Solution and  PovidoneIodine (BETADINE®) Dry Powder Spray on-hand for when you need rapid disinfection of  

wounds. 

(Povidone-iodine kills germs in as fast as 30 seconds based on lab data of tested pathogens)8

Myth 5. Bandages generate bacteria

This is a myth commonly shared among the people who believe that open air is good for wound healing. The bandages prevent germs from getting into the new wound and create more comfort by reducing the chance of accidentally hurting the injured area.11 

Myth 6. Rip off the bandage  

Ripping off the bandage can set back the healing progress you have already made. Make sure  you moisten and gently peel off bandages so as not to tear off delicate skin.12 

Myth 7. Remove scabs to speed up wound healing  

Scabs may seem unsightly but much like with a bandage, tearing them before they fall off may just revive the wound by reintroducing new bacteria into it.12 

Key takeaways  
  • Keep wounds moist to promote the right environment for wound healing with  PovidoneIodine (BETADINE®) 5% Cream and Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 10%  Ointment  
  • Do not use sea water or rubbing alcohol to clean wounds – instead use a topical antiseptic like Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) 10% Wound Solution for cleansing the wound  
  • Bandages and scabs help keep the wound environment protected and picking or ripping  them off too early can cause more damage, like leaving a bigger scar  

 

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. 

ASC I0026P060325B

POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®)  2.5% DRY POWDER SPRAY

No touch
No drip
No sting
Cooling effect

References:

  1. The Ohio State University. Health: Common wound care myths busted. 15 November 2022. Accessed on 12 February 2024. https://health.osu.edu/health/skin-and-body/wound-care-myths
  2. Cleveland Clinic. Should You Bandage a Cut or Sore or Let it Air Out? 9 March 2021. Accessed on 12 February 2024. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/cover-wound-air
  3. St. Peter’s Health. Myths About Wound Healing. 29 June 2021. Accessed on 12 February 2024. https://www.sphealth.org/stories-news/stories/myths-about-wound-healing
  4. Okan, Denis, et al. The Role of Moisture Balance in Wound Healing, Advances in Skin & Wound Care 2007;20 ( 1): p 39-53.
  5. Lin Q, et al. Sanitizing agents for virus inactivation and disinfection. VIEW. 2020;1:e16
  6. Lachenmeier, Dirk W. Safety evaluation of topical applications of ethanol on the skin and inside the oral cavity. Journal of occupational medicine and toxicology (London, England). Vol. 3 26. 13 Nov. 2008.
  7. Wilkins RG, et al. Wound Cleaning and Wound Healing: A Concise Review. Advances in Skin & amp; Wound Care. (2013)26(4):160-163.
  8. Tan EL, et al. GMS Hyg Infect Control. 2021;16: Doc05.
  9. Lachapelle JM, et al. Antiseptics in the era of bacterial resistance: A focus on povidone iodine. Clinical Practice. 2013;10.579-592. 10.2217/cpr.13.50.
  10. Reliant Medical Group. Can Salt Water Really Heal Wounds? 25 July 2022. Accessed on 12 February 2024. https://reliantmedicalgroup.org/blog/2022/07/25/medical-mythbuster-can-salt-water-really-heal-wounds/
  11. Lane Regional Medical Center. 4 Wound Care Myths You Shouldn’t Believe. 2 March 2020. Accessed on 12 February 2024. https://www.lanermc.org/community/lane-health-blog/4-wound-care-myths-you-shouldnt-believe
  12. Avail Hospital Lake Charles. Wound Healing Do’s and Don’ts. 15 September 2022. Accessed on 12 February 2024. https://www.availhospitals.com/wound-healing/