Background <p>Surgical wound care is important for postoperative recovery, since it helps prevent complications, supports healing, and improves the outcomes of the surgery. These key points highlight the importance of research on this subject to increase the level of knowledge and awareness to help reduce postoperative complications and enhance surgical site healing. We aimed to investigate public knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward surgical wound care in Saudi Arabia.</p> Methods <p>This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia with a sample of 1002 participants. The study employed an online survey to gather data from random individuals aged 18 years and older. Informed consent was obtained from the participants before participating in the survey.</p> Results <p>Among 1,002 participants, 51.6% had good knowledge of surgical wound care. Most recognized diabetes (80.9%) as a risk for impaired wound healing, and hand hygiene (98.4%) as important for wound healing. Over 75% knew common infection symptoms and post-operative practices such as wound drying, dressing changes, and antibiotic use. Awareness of less common risk factors and symptoms, like liver dysfunction or radiotherapy, was low. Most participants identified doctors (61.3%) as their primary source of information.</p> Conclusions <p>Over half of the participants had good knowledge and awareness of surgical wound care. However, gaps remain regarding less common symptoms, risk factors, and certain post-operative practices. Targeted education and awareness campaigns are needed to address misconceptions and improve safe wound management in the community. </p> <p>Level of evidence: Not ratable</p>