Wound dressings are designed to keep wounds clean and promote healing, especially for chronic wounds with significant tissue loss. It is important to properly clean wounds with mild soap and water, and seek medical attention within a certain timeframe if stitches are needed. To care for an open wound, it must be cleaned, may require re-cleaning if contaminated, dressed only after cleaning, and an antiseptic ointment can be applied before a light dressing to keep out germs.