From the Guidelines
No, Vaseline should not be applied to the site for aftercare following lesion excision, as there is no evidence to suggest it reduces surgical site infections (SSIs) or improves wound healing outcomes. According to the World Journal of Emergency Surgery study 1, advanced dressings, including Vaseline, should not be used for primarily closed surgical wounds for the purpose of preventing SSI. The study suggests that decision-makers may wish to base decisions about how to dress a wound following surgery on dressing costs as well as patient preference.
Some key points to consider for aftercare include:
- Keeping the wound clean and dry
- Removing the surgical wound dressing after a minimum of 48 hours after surgery unless leakage occurs 1
- Avoiding the use of advanced dressings on primarily closed surgical wounds for the purpose of preventing SSI 1
- Considering patient preference and dressing costs when deciding on wound care 1
It is essential to follow the healthcare provider's specific instructions for aftercare, as they may have specific recommendations based on the individual's needs and the type of procedure performed. If you notice any signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, pain, swelling, or discharge from the wound, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
From the Research
Post-Lesion Excision Aftercare
After lesion excision, the application of Vaseline (petrolatum) to the site is a common practice for aftercare. However, its effectiveness and potential drawbacks should be considered:
- Petrolatum-based ointments, such as Vaseline, are commonly used to keep wounds moist postoperatively, promoting uncomplicated healing 2.
- However, these ointments may also cause wound redness and swelling, as seen in a study where surgical wounds treated with Aquaphor Healing Ointment had a higher incidence of wound redness (52%) than those treated with plain white petrolatum (12%) 2.
- The use of topical antibiotics, such as bacitracin, has been shown to result in significantly lower infection rates than petrolatum control 3.
- A study found that a triple-antibiotic ointment minimized scarring in dermabrasion wounds, suggesting its potential benefits in post-lesion excision aftercare 4.
- The application of a topical triple-antibiotic ointment can eradicate resident bacteria of normal human skin, preventing repopulation of bacteria overnight 5.
Considerations for Vaseline Application
When considering the application of Vaseline to the site after lesion excision, the following points should be taken into account:
- The potential for wound redness and swelling associated with petrolatum-based ointments 2.
- The benefits of using topical antibiotics in reducing infection rates and minimizing scarring 3, 4.
- The effectiveness of triple-antibiotic ointments in eradicating resident bacteria and preventing repopulation 5.