[Wound care following dermatologic surgical procedures]

Postoperative wound care is an essential component of dermatologic surgical procedures and has a significant impact on wound healing as well as esthetic and functional outcomes. In clinical practice, considerable differences exist with regard to the antiseptics used, dressing materials, and follow-up care concepts. Robust data on current postoperative wound care practices in dermatologic surgery in Germany are limited.

The aim of this study was to assess current postoperative wound care practices among skin surgeons in Germany and to compare them with evidence-based recommendations.

An anonymous, internet-based survey comprising 26 questions on postoperative wound care was conducted. The questionnaire was distributed to all members of the German Society for Dermatologic Surgery and was additionally offered during the 2025 annual meeting. Data were analyzed descriptively.

A total of 62 fully completed questionnaires were analyzed. Octenidine-containing or alcohol-based antiseptics were predominantly used both preoperatively and during dressing changes. Postoperative wound care following primary wound closure was largely homogeneous, whereas a high variability in dressing materials was observed for wounds healing by secondary intention. Topical antibiotics continued to be used to a significant extent despite the risk of developing resistance.

The results demonstrate substantial heterogeneity in postoperative wound care and only partial implementation of evidence-based recommendations. In particular, the routine use of topical antibiotics and antiseptics in noninfected wounds appears questionable.