Practical set for at home or on the go. Disinfectant and care products as well as plasters. © Stiftung Warentest / Ralph Kaiser
Falling on your knee, slipping with a knife: small wounds often occur in everyday life. Our experts know which agents and active ingredients are suitable for treatment.
Fast care supports healing
Smaller wounds often occur in falls or sports accidents – children, young people and older people are particularly affected. Most of the time the wounds are harmless. Nevertheless, they should be cared for properly to prevent possible complications such as inflammation. The general rule is: If the skin bleeds after a small mishap, the wound should be cleaned, disinfected and protected. This also supports rapid healing.
Tested and evaluated by drug experts
The pharmaceutical experts at Stiftung Warentest regularly evaluate medications and their active ingredients. For small superficial wounds they recommend:
Medium what Povidone-Iodine or Octenidin for disinfection because both substances do not burn the skin. You should make sure that octenidine is applied as a spray or with a swab. Povidone-iodine can temporarily turn the skin brown. Creams or ointments mit Dexpanthenol or Zinkoxid. They keep the edges of the wound elastic and prevent the wound from reopening.
Hydrokolloidpflaster can support healing of large abrasions. An easy Pavementnormal or sensitive depending on sensitivity, protects the wound from dirt and irritation in the first few days.
Tipp: If dirt gets into the fresh wound, clear water will help. Rinse the wound carefully, disinfect it once and then cover it.
Non-prescription products for disinfecting and wound care
Our table shows the best active ingredients and the cheapest over-the-counter products that can be used to disinfect and care for wounds. A selection of these also belongs in the home medicine cabinet and travel first aid kit.