In superficial wounds treated with diathermy, which practice should be avoided?

• A. Moisture
• B. Heat
• C. Airflow
• D. Pressure

Answer: (A)

Moisture on the wound or treatment field should be avoided. Diathermy works by delivering high-frequency current that heats tissue through electrical resistance. A wet surface provides an easy conductive path, lowering impedance and allowing heat to spread beyond the intended superficial layer. This increases the risk of unintended deeper tissue burns, damage to surrounding skin, and delayed healing in superficial wounds. Keeping the area dry helps confine the heating to the targeted tissue and improves safety.

The other factors aren’t inherently problematic in the same way: generating heat is the purpose of diathermy, so avoiding heat isn’t the goal; a bit of airflow doesn’t directly compromise control of heating, and while pressure is used to maintain contact, it isn’t inherently contraindicated in this context.