Aissar Shawaqfeh Registered Nurse · Certified Wound Specialist (CWS®) العربية

Common mistakes in home wound care

Families are key partners in wound care, but some common habits slow healing without anyone meaning them to. These are the mistakes seen most often, and what is recommended instead.

Written by: Aissar Shawaqfeh, RN, CWS® Last reviewed: Credentials and verification

This information is general education and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Do not change your treatment or dressings without speaking to your care team.

The most common mistakes

Leaving the wound uncovered to “breathe”

Many people believe a wound needs air to dry out, but most wounds heal better in balanced moisture under a suitable dressing. Too much drying slows cell movement and forms a crust that gets in the way of healing.

Using strong antiseptics routinely

Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and some strong antiseptics can damage new tissue when used on a healing wound. Routine cleansing is usually with a solution the care team specifies.

Traditional remedies

Coffee, toothpaste, herbs, oils and unprescribed creams can cause irritation or infection, and make it harder for the team to assess the wound.

Changing the dressing too often, or leaving it too long

Opening the wound often cools it and exposes it to contamination; leaving it too long can cause leaks and skin irritation. Follow the schedule the care team sets.

Putting cotton wool directly on the wound

Cotton fibres can stick to the wound and stay in it. Use proper dressings or sterile gauze.

Pulling tape off fragile skin

Older people’s thin skin tears easily. Remove tape slowly, low and close to the skin, and ask about products suited to fragile skin.

Neglecting pressure and nutrition

A dressing alone is not enough if pressure on the wound continues or nutrition and fluids are inadequate, especially for bed-bound patients.

Stopping when the wound looks better

Stopping the plan early because the wound seems better can lead to it coming back. Continue until the care team confirms it has healed.

Good habits for home care

  • Wash your hands before and after touching the wound.
  • Follow a clear, written plan from the treating team.
  • Prepare a clean space and enough supplies before changing the dressing.
  • Note the wound, pain and temperature at every change.
  • Contact the team about any change, and don’t wait for the next appointment if warning signs appear.

When to stop home care and get help

  • Redness, swelling or warmth spreading around the wound.
  • Pus or a new bad smell.
  • Fever, chills or confusion.
  • The wound getting bigger, or black tissue appearing.

Read Wound infection warning signs you should not ignore.

Educational videos

Watch the educational videosShort wound-care explainers on Instagram

A multidisciplinary team

A complex wound is never treated by one specialty alone. Care is coordinated with a multidisciplinary team according to each case, because healing depends on treating the cause: circulation, infection, pressure, nutrition and the need for surgery.

  • Orthopaedic surgery
  • Vascular surgery
  • General surgery
  • Plastic and reconstructive surgery
  • Podiatry
  • Infectious diseases
  • Clinical nutrition
  • Other healthcare professionals as each case requires

Get in touch

For patients and families: discuss any change to your care plan with your treating doctor or care team.

For enquiries, training and collaboration with healthcare teams and facilities across Jordan.

Get in touch Credentials and verification

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References

  1. International Wound Infection Institute (IWII). Wound Infection in Clinical Practice: Principles of Best Practice. International Consensus Update 2022. Wounds International.
  2. Atkin L, Bućko Z, Conde Montero E, et al. Implementing TIMERS: the race against hard-to-heal wounds. Journal of Wound Care. 2019;28(Sup3a):S1–S50.
  3. World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS). Consensus Document: Wound exudate — effective assessment and management. Wounds International; 2019.
  4. EPUAP, NPIAP, PPPIA. Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline. 4th edition, 2026.

Independent content: Content on this website is educational and independent and does not promote any brand. Product choices for any patient follow clinical assessment and the treating team’s plan.