From the Guidelines
No, Aquaphor (petrolatum) is not recommended for use on infected surgical wounds. If a surgical wound shows signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, foul odor, or increased pain, you should avoid applying Aquaphor or other petroleum-based products. These products can create an occlusive barrier that may trap bacteria and potentially worsen the infection by limiting oxygen exposure to the wound. According to the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1, occlusive dressings such as petrolatum are beneficial for wound healing in clean wounds, but there is no indication that they improve wound healing or decrease infection rates in infected wounds.
Instead, an infected surgical wound requires medical attention from your healthcare provider who may prescribe appropriate antibiotics, recommend proper wound cleaning with saline or prescribed antiseptic solutions, and possibly drain the wound if necessary, as suggested by the practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1. Until you can see your doctor, keep the wound clean by gently washing with mild soap and water, pat dry with a clean towel, and leave it uncovered or use a sterile, non-occlusive dressing as directed by your healthcare provider. Petroleum-based products like Aquaphor are better suited for healing non-infected wounds or protecting intact skin, as they help maintain moisture and create a protective barrier against external contaminants.
Some key considerations for managing infected surgical wounds include:
- Suture removal plus incision and drainage may be necessary for surgical site infections 1
- Adjunctive systemic antimicrobial therapy may be beneficial for surgical site infections associated with a significant systemic response 1
- A brief course of systemic antimicrobial therapy is indicated in patients with surgical site infections following clean operations on the trunk, head and neck, or extremities that also have systemic signs of infection 1
- Agents active against gram-negative bacteria and anaerobes may be recommended for infections following operations on the axilla, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, perineum, or female genital tract 1
From the Research
Use of Aquaphor on Infected Surgical Wounds
- There is limited direct evidence on the use of Aquaphor on infected surgical wounds. However, studies suggest that Aquaphor can be effective in promoting wound healing in clean surgical wounds 2.
- A study comparing the wound healing properties of Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Neosporin, and Polysporin using a laser wound model found that Aquaphor demonstrated fast and effective improvements in several wound healing parameters compared to antibiotic-containing treatments 2.
- Another study found that petroleum jelly, which is similar to Aquaphor, was the most commonly used topical emollient placed immediately postoperatively on clean surgical wounds, followed by Aquaphor 3.
- However, it is essential to note that infected surgical wounds may require different treatment approaches than clean surgical wounds. The use of antibiotic prophylaxis is crucial in preventing surgical wound infections, especially in contaminated or dirty procedures 4.
- Topical antibiotic ointments may not be necessary for the treatment of clean surgical wounds, and their use can lead to allergic contact dermatitis and increased drug resistance 2, 3.
- In the case of infected surgical wounds, the use of topical antibiotics or other treatments may be necessary to prevent further infection and promote healing. However, there is no direct evidence to support the use of Aquaphor on infected surgical wounds.
Considerations for Wound Care
- The choice of wound dressing or topical treatment should be based on the individual patient's needs and the specific characteristics of the wound 5.
- Wound dressings can provide physical support, protection, and absorb exudate, but their use should be carefully considered to avoid potential complications such as allergic contact dermatitis or increased risk of infection 5.
- Further research is needed to determine the most effective treatments for infected surgical wounds and to establish clear guidelines for wound care 5.