What is the best way to prevent infection in a wound?

Washing the wound with soap and water is the best way to prevent infection because it effectively removes dirt, debris, and potential pathogens from the surface of the skin and the wound itself. This cleaning process is critical as it creates a cleaner environment that reduces the risk of infection. Proper cleaning also helps to promote healing by allowing the body's natural defense mechanisms to work more effectively.

Covering the wound with a bandage can also help protect it from external contaminants, but it is important that the wound is clean before this step is taken. Keeping a wound open to breathe or applying substances like butter or oil is not recommended, as these methods do not provide effective cleaning or protection and may even introduce additional bacteria or impede healing. Therefore, cleaning the wound thoroughly with soap and water is the foundational step in infection prevention.