There is some validity to the old adage: “If it's dry, wet it; if it's wet, dry it.”
Wet dressings help dry wounds, and aid in their debridement by removing debris (e.g., serum, crusts). They also have a nonspecific antifungal and antibacterial effect, especially when chemicals such as aluminum sulfate, silver nitrate, acetic acid (vinegar is dilute acetic acid), and potassium permanganate are added.
For example, the application of Burow solution (aluminum sulfate and calcium acetate) helps dry out weeping and oozing lesions such as from poison ivy, tinea pedis, herpes simplex, and herpes zoster.
SEE PATIENT HANDOUT “BUROW SOLUTION” IN THE COMPANION eBOOK EDITION.