The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) issues clinical practice guidelines for proper treatment and recommends the use of saline (hospital grade saltwater) for wound cleansing. We recommend using AMERIGEL Saline Wound Wash to rinse and irrigate the wound. Cleansing the wound with soap and water may leave soap residue if not rinsed adequately. To make matters worse, most health departments allow for certain amounts of additives in their water, like chlorine and bacteria that can slow down the healing process. Using AMERIGEL Saline Wound Wash eliminates these risks.