Which statement about incision healing is most appropriate?

• A. Incision should be kept clean and dry with monitoring for redness or drainage.
• B. Apply hydrogen peroxide daily to speed healing.
• C. Massage the incision area daily.
• D. Expose incision to direct sunlight to dry it.

Answer: (A)

Keeping the incision clean and dry with careful observation for redness or drainage supports proper wound healing and helps prevent infection. When a surgical site is kept clean and dry, the risk of bacterial contamination is minimized, and the delicate healing tissue isn’t kept in a moist environment that bacteria love. Monitoring for redness, drainage, warmth, swelling, or fever allows early detection of infection so treatment can be started promptly.

Why the other approaches aren’t suitable: hydrogen peroxide can irritate and injure healing tissue, potentially slowing closure, so it’s not recommended for routine wound care. Massaging the incision can disrupt the new tissue and scar formation. Exposing the incision to direct sunlight can damage healing tissue and affect scar appearance.