Thanks to today's Wound Awareness Week Partner Mölnlycke® for this article.

Healthy skin does more than cover our bodies – it protects us every day. It acts as a barrier against infection, helps regulate body temperature and plays an important role in keeping us well. But when skin becomes damaged, healing isn't always straightforward. 

This Wound Awareness Week, Mölnlycke is challenging some of the common myths about skin health and wound care. Understanding the facts can help you better protect your skin, reduce your risk of developing wounds, and know when to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

 Myth: Healthy skin doesn't need much care.
✅ Reality: Looking after your skin is one of the best ways to prevent wounds from developing.

Keeping skin clean, well moisturised and protected from knocks and tears helps maintain its natural barrier. As you age - or if you live with conditions such as diabetes, eczema or poor circulation - your skin can become more fragile and vulnerable to injury.  Takeaway: Healthy skin is your first defence against wounds. 

 Myth: Wounds heal faster if you let them dry out.
✅ Reality: Most wounds heal best in a moist wound healing environment.

Advanced wound dressings are designed to create the right conditions that support healing while protecting the wound from dirt and bacteria. Leaving a wound exposed can slow healing and increase the risk of complications.  Takeaway: The right dressing not only covers a wound but also creates the right conditions that support healing.

 Myth: A wound dressing should be changed every day.
✅ Reality: Not always.

Many advanced dressings are designed to stay in place for several days. Changing them too often can disturb the healing tissue, cause unnecessary pain and trauma, and interrupt the body's natural repair process.*  Takeaway: When appropriate, leaving a dressing undisturbed can support healing.*  *Always follow your healthcare professional's advice on when to change the dressing

 Myth: If a dressing leaks, just add another one.
✅ Reality: A leaking dressing is a sign the wound needs attention.

Excess wound fluid can damage the surrounding skin, making healing more difficult. Rather than adding another dressing, a leaking dressing should be assessed to determine whether a different dressing or treatment approach is needed.  Takeaway: Protecting the skin around the wound is just as important as treating the wound itself.

 Myth: Eczema is 'just dry skin'.
✅ Reality: Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that weakens the skin barrier.

When the skin barrier is damaged, skin becomes more susceptible to irritation, infection and breakdown. Regular use of appropriate moisturisers or emollients can help maintain skin health and reduce flare-ups.  Takeaway: Healthy skin starts with a healthy skin barrier.

 Myth: Skin tears only happen to older people.
✅ Reality: Anyone with fragile skin can experience a skin tear.

Older adults are at higher risk, but skin tears can also affect people taking certain medications, those living with chronic illness or anyone with delicate skin. Many occur during everyday activities and are largely preventable.  Takeaway: Gentle handling and protecting vulnerable skin can prevent many skin tears.

 Myth: Pressure injuries only happen in hospital.
✅ Reality: Pressure injuries can happen anywhere.

People who spend long periods sitting or lying in one position - whether at home, in hospital or in residential aged care - may be at risk. Regular movement, repositioning and checking the skin are simple but effective ways to help prevent pressure injuries.  Takeaway: Pressure injuries can be prevented by using the right strategies.

Looking after your skin matters

Many wounds can be prevented before they happen. By understanding the facts, caring for your skin every day and seeking advice early if you notice changes, you can help protect your skin and support better healing. This Wound Awareness Week, take a moment to Save Our Skin - because healthy skin today can help prevent wounds tomorrow. Learn more at Mölnlycke's Save Our Skin hub.

Epaderm cream is intended for the management of eczema, psoriasis and other dry skin conditions. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. If symptoms persist contact your Healthcare Professional. 

Thanks to Mölnlycke

Mölnlycke is a Wounds Australia Platinum Partner, longstanding supporter of Wound Awareness Week, and sponsor of a range of activities on Thursday 1 October, including this story and a Lunch Bytes webinar with Dr Michelle Gibb. Explore Mölnlycke's Wound Awareness Week partner page.