Best way to keep open wounds from infection?

[Kage72]

I have a pretty extreme condition going on my face.  I have a feeling it is some form of folliculitis as it all seemed to start from ingrown hairs on face.  I would get these bumps on my face and neck that would hurt.  The pain and irritation would cause me to dig out the presumed ingrown follicle.  I spend several hours a day attempting to relieve these bumps by digging out the ingrown follicles intertwined with what seems to be scar tissue.  I know I shouldn't be doing this.  But, when I can see the follicles ingrown and sometimes capulated, it's hard not to attempt to remove the masses.  I have dug out what seems like 100's follicles at this point.  Unfortunately, the layers of scar tissue can make extracting the deep follicles.

Anyhow, I realize this is not a very safe thing to do as I can easily risk infections with open wounds.  I have pretty much only been using hydrogen peroxide while extracting and a basic neosporin type antiseptic.  Should I be using rubbing alcohol?  I often use bandaids, but the adhesion on them tends to cause its own irritation.  I think I have been lucky throughout the years as I don't think I've gotten any real infections that I can tell.  When I can afford it I will attempt to see a doctor in regards to getting a skin biopsy in attempt to pinpoint the condition.  But, until then I would like my maximize my chances of not having any serious issues arise from my self-surguries.

Thanks

[Kage72]

Hmm. starting to wonder if this forum is a bust.  

[Kage72]

Is hydrogen peroxide ok to clean with?

[Kage72]

I'm not sure if the bandaids are good or bad.  They usually just make the wound heal right back into a raised scar no matter how much i gut them.  Could keratin be filling them?   I'd be satisfied with flat or surpressed scars.  But, the scars tend to become bulbous and irritable.

[Kage72]

Some days i just need to give my face a break from the adhesive on the bandaids.  Just trying to figure out what might be my best course of action to protect when not using bandage.

Should I apply rubbing alcohol?  I was told at one point to keep my skin as hydrated as possible.  Doesn't alcohol severely dry it out?  Or, should i just apply some before a shower to disinfect better?  Is a Neosporin type gel ok on an open wound?  Or is there something more appropriate for after a shower?