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Misconceptions on Wound Care Is Slowing Recovery and Increasing the Risk of Infection

Wednesday, September 17, 2025
by Eliot Rifkin

We often hear that letting a cut dry out and scab over is the best way to heal it, however could this ‘common belief’ actually be slowing recovery and raising infection risks?
New research reveals that almost two-thirds of Australians cling to this myth, with nearly half changing plasters daily and disrupting the natural healing process.
4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted with Karen Carter, a pharmacist and owner of Carter’s Pharmacy (Gunnedah) about some common misconceptions on wound care which can slow recovery and sometimes increase the risk of infection.

For a deep dive...

Here is Karen Carter's Pharmacy's website and Instagram.

Acquaint yourself with the different types of wounds, so you know when to use which dressing for each type of wound as well as the basics in wound care management and burns. Here's 2 articles on how often to change a wound dressing? Are you current with your tetanus shot booster?

As we age, we all need to learn how to take care of our aging skin, as well as understanding and treating a 'skin tear' or mitigating skin tears with moisturisers.

Can you recognise when your wound is getting infected or what an infection is? What is the best ointment types for a particular wound situation? Can you self-treat or is it time to come into the Emergency Room or time to visit your GP.

Eliot Rifkin

Eliot Rifkin is a Journalist and Producer on Thursday Brisbane Line

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