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The high prevalence of chronic wounds is a growing concern. Recently, hypochlorous acid (HOCl)-based solutions were introduced as an alternative antimicrobial for wound cleansing. In this study, we assessed the in vitro bactericidal activities of seven commercially available wound irrigation products commonly found in South-East Asia. The evaluation was conducted using quantitative suspension method, EN 13727 in either low or high protein conditions. Under low protein conditions, four out of the five HOCl products achieved bactericidal activity (≥5 log10 reduction factor; RF) within 2–5 min, and only one product achieved 5 log10 RF at 15 s. None of the HOCl achieved 5 log10 RF under high protein, even after 30 min of exposure time. In contrast, protein interference on the antimicrobial activities of polyhexamethylene biguanide-based product is less pronounced (low protein: 60 s vs. high protein: 2 min to attain ≥5 log10 RF). Octenidine dihydrochloride is the only active not affected by protein interference achieving ≥5 log10 RF within 15 s in both low and high protein conditions. These findings warrant the need to screen antimicrobial wound care products, especially HOCl-based products, in high protein condition to better reflect the antimicrobial activities in wound care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Cocor Bebek (Kalanchoe pinnata) leaves in wound cleaning for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and compare it with the use of NaCl solution. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications, such as DFU, pose a global health problem with increasing prevalence. Given the escalating occurrence of DFU, timely and effective treatment is crucial to prevent severe complications, including amputation. This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group and was conducted at Rumah Luka Surabaya, Indonesia. The sample comprised 40 respondents with DFU, divided into an intervention group (using Cocor Bebek leaves) and a control group (using NaCl solution). Respondents' characteristics, including age, sex, occupation, duration of diabetes, and other factors, were assessed to understand their impact on the response to treatment. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in DFU wound healing in the intervention group after using Cocor Bebek leaves (p<0.05), along with reduced scores on Bates Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT) indicators such as wound edge, tunnel, and necrotic tissue type. Conversely, the control group using NaCl solution also exhibited significant improvement in wound healing (p<0.05), with decreased scores on indicators such as the amount of necrotic tissue and the quantity of exudate. This study underscores the potential of Cocor Bebek leaves in aiding wound healing in DFU, evident from clinical improvements and reduced BWAT scores. However, further research and clinical trials are needed to comprehensively support these findings and understand the mechanism of action, as well as the safety of using Cocor Bebek leaves in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to compare the healing rate between AP soap and 4% Chlorhexidine solution in superficial second-degree burn wounds. The secondary objectives include the analgesic effect and moisturization of these two products. Materials and Methods: Data was collected between 2019 and 2021. Patients aged 18 years and above, with superficial second-degree burns including at least 20% of TBSA, and admitted to the Burn Unit within 24 hours of injury were included. They were randomly assigned to two groups: Andrographis paniculata with Perilla oil liquid soap group (AP group) and 4% Chlorhexidine group (control group). The measurements included percentage of epithelialization, pain score during wound cleansing, itching score after wound cleansing, and dry skin specified symptoms. All patients received standard care for burn wound treatment. Results: A total enrollment was 23 patients in this study (12 in the AP group and 11 in the control group). The median age was 38.5 years. There were no statistically significant differences in age, %TBSA, and initial wound size between both groups (p > 0.05). Although the healing time was similar in both groups, (18.5 vs. 20.1, p=0.347), the AP group had a significantly lower pain score than the control group (4.7 vs. 5.4, p=0.020). Moreover, the AP group demonstrated significant improvements in itching score and SRRC score at 14 days compared to the control group (5.1 vs. 6.0, p 0.039 and 1.08 vs. 1.55, p 0.020, respectively). There were no adverse effects during this study. Conclusion: Patients treated with Andrographis paniculata with Perilla oil liquid soap experienced less pain and better moisturization compared to those treated with the standard 4% chlorhexidine solution, while achieving a comparable healing rate. A future large-scale prospective trial is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Cocor Bebek (Kalanchoe pinnata) leaves in wound cleaning for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and compare it with the use of NaCl solution. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications, such as DFU, pose a global health problem with increasing prevalence. Given the escalating occurrence of DFU, timely and effective treatment is crucial to prevent severe complications, including amputation. This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group and was conducted at Rumah Luka Surabaya, Indonesia. The sample comprised 40 respondents with DFU, divided into an intervention group (using Cocor Bebek leaves) and a control group (using NaCl solution). Respondents' characteristics, including age, sex, occupation, duration of diabetes, and other factors, were assessed to understand their impact on the response to treatment. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in DFU wound healing in the intervention group after using Cocor Bebek leaves (p

The high prevalence of chronic wounds is a growing concern. Recently, hypochlorous acid (HOCl)-based solutions were introduced as an alternative antimicrobial for wound cleansing. In this study, we assessed the in vitro bactericidal activities of seven commercially available wound irrigation products commonly found in South-East Asia. The evaluation was conducted using quantitative suspension method, EN 13727 in either low or high protein conditions. Under low protein conditions, four out of the five HOCl products achieved bactericidal activity (≥5 log10 reduction factor; RF) within 2–5 min, and only one product achieved 5 log10 RF at 15 s. None of the HOCl achieved 5 log10 RF under high protein, even after 30 min of exposure time. In contrast, protein interference on the antimicrobial activities of polyhexamethylene biguanide-based product is less pronounced (low protein: 60 s vs. high protein: 2 min to attain ≥5 log10 RF). Octenidine dihydrochloride is the only active not affected by protein interference achieving ≥5 log10 RF within 15 s in both low and high protein conditions. These findings warrant the need to screen antimicrobial wound care products, especially HOCl-based products, in high protein condition to better reflect the antimicrobial activities in wound care.

Background: Use of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) using reticulated open cell foam dressings with through holes (ROCF-CC) may help remove barriers to healing by removing thick exudate, infectious materials, and non-viable tissue and promoting granulation tissue development. Aims: Use of NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC dressings was assessed in two patients with diabetic foot wounds and one patient with a non-healing, lower-extremity wound. Methods: Wounds were assessed for osteomyelitis and malignancy, and antibiotics initiated. Surgical debridement was performed followed by application of NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC. Normal saline was instilled with a 1-minute dwell time, followed by negative pressure at -125 mmHg for 2.5 hours. Dressings were changed every 2-3 days. Results: NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC use resulted in granulation tissue development and removal of debris, infectious materials, and non-viable tissue. After NPWTi-d use, two patients underwent a skin graft procedure to facilitate wound closure. The remaining patient underwent further wound care. Conclusions: NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC dressing use helped promote granulation tissue development and remove debris, infectious materials, and non-viable tissue in these three patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound infection is a major challenge for clinicians globally, with accurate and timely identification of wound infection being critical to achieving clinical and cost-effective management, and promotion of healing. This paper presents an overview of the development of the International Wound Infection Institute (IWII)'s 2022 Wound Infection in Clinical Practice consensus document. The updated document summarises current evidence and provides multidisciplinary healthcare providers with effective guidance and support on terminology, paradigms related to biofilm, identification of wound infection, wound cleansing, debridement and antimicrobial stewardship. Integral to the update is revision of wound infection management strategies which are incorporated within the IWII's Wound Infection Continuum (IWII–WIC) and management plan. The aim of the 2022 IWII consensus document update was to provide an accessible and useful clinical resource in at least six languages, incorporating the latest evidence and current best practice for wound infection and prevention. Dissemination techniques for the consensus are discussed and highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound cleansing agents are routine in wound care and preoperative preparation. Antiseptic activity intends to prevent contaminating microbes from establishing an infection while also raising concerns of cytotoxicity and delayed wound healing. We evaluated the cytotoxicity of five clinically used wound cleaning agents (saline, povidone iodine, Dove® and Dial® soaps, and chlorhexidine gluconate [CHG]) using both an ex vivo and in vivo human skin xenograft mouse model, in contrast to classical in vitro models that lack the structural and compositional heterogeneity of human skin. We further established an ex vivo wound contamination model inoculated with ~100 cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus to evaluate antimicrobial efficacy. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy were used to evaluate phenotypic and spatial characteristics of bacterial cells in wound tissue. CHG significantly reduced metabolic activity of the skin explants, while all treatments except saline affected local cellular viability. CHG cytotoxicity persisted and progressed over 14 days, impairing wound healing in vivo. Within the contamination model, CHG treatment resulted in a significant reduction of P. aeruginosa wound surface counts at 24 h post‐treatment. However, this effect was transient and serial application of CHG had no effect on both P. aeruginosa or S. aureus microbial growth. Microscopy revealed that viable cells of P. aeruginosa reside deep within wound tissue post‐CHG application, likely serving as a reservoir to re‐populate the tissue to a high bioburden. We reveal concerning cytotoxicity and limited antimicrobial activity of CHG in human skin using clinically relevant models, with the ability to resolve spatial localization and temporal dynamics of tissue viability and microbial growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the wound infection continuum in surgical, acute and chronic wounds. The phases are: contamination, colonisation, local infection and finally spreading and systemic infection. Clinicians need to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of local infection in order to put strategies in place to prevent a 'full blown' wound infection and to recognise how the signs and symptoms differ by wound type. The article looks at the most recent guidance on wound infection management strategies, together with the identification and treatment of suspected biofilms and the two-week challenge, used in clinical practice to disrupt biofilms. Wound cleansing and the use of antimicrobial dressings and topical antiseptics are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To summarise the findings on the effect of the clinical use of 0.1% polyhexanide–propylbetaine (PHMB/betaine) solution/gel on acute and hard-to-heal (chronic) wound healing. Method: A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus and the CENTRAL Trials Registry of the Cochrane Collaboration. Paired reviewers conducted title and abstract screening and full-text screening to identify experimental, quasi-experimental and observational studies. Study quality and risk of bias were not formally evaluated. Results: A total of 17 studies met the eligibility criteria. The findings from 12 studies indicated that the use of 0.1% PHMB/betaine solution/gel had: a low risk of contact sensitivity; could help debridement during wound cleansing; aided effective wound bed preparation; reduced wound size, odour and exudate; improved pain control; reduced microbial load; and enhanced wound healing. The results of three studies indicated that both 0.1% PHMB and saline solution were effective in reducing bacterial load, while another showed that adding 0.1% PHMB to tie-over dressings had no effect on reducing bacterial loads in wounds. Another study concluded that disinfection and granulation of pressure ulcers with hydrobalance dressing with 0.3% PHMB was faster and more effective than using 0.1% PHMB/betaine. Conclusion: The findings of this literature review showed that 0.1% PHMB/betaine solution/gel appeared to be useful and safe for wound cleansing, was effective in removing soft debris and slough from the wound bed, and created a wound environment optimal for healing. Although these actions cannot be attributed solely to this treatment modality, these results do highlight the unique action of this combined product. However, more robust studies are needed to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The short-term application of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) enables the delivery of topical wound solutions, the solubilisation of debris and cleansing of the wound bed. The application of NPWTi-d may support the transition of the wound to a more manageable state and minimises the use of more invasive techniques. Method: In this case series, we describe the process of applying NPWTi-d early as part of a contaminated wound treatment plan. Results: The case series included 15 patients in the preoperative setting. Wound types included surgical dehiscence, hard-to-heal wounds, heel pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, a cat bite and an amputation left open. Normal saline or a 0.125% sodium hypochlorite solution were instilled and allowed to dwell for five minutes, followed by 15 minutes of continuous negative pressure at –125mmHg. NPWTi-d was continued for 4–36 hours, or until the operating room became available. After NPWTi-d, we observed a decreased amount of devitalised tissue in the wound bed and reduced oedema and erythema in the periwound area. Patient white blood cells also significantly decreased in all cases after NPWTi-d (p<0.001). Conclusion: Short-term use of NPWTi-d may be a useful option for supporting the surgical treatment of contaminated lower extremity wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A break in skin integrity must be repaired as quickly as possible to avoid excess blood and fluid loss, and to minimise the onset of infection. Hard-to-heal wounds, in which the progression of the wound healing response is compromised, present several challenges to healing (for example, the presence of devitalised tissue acting as a physical barrier to healing and as a focus for bacterial contamination with the potential for subsequent infection). The objective of this article is to present, as a narrative review, the clinical evidence supporting the use of a unique hydro-responsive wound dressing (HydroClean, HRWD1, PAUL HARTMANN AG, Germany). The dressing provides a simple treatment option to address a number of clinical challenges clinicians must overcome in order to facilitate wound healing progression. These studies demonstrated that this product supported successful debridement/cleansing of a wide variety of wounds, including hard-to-heal wounds, enabled wound bed preparation, and lead to positive healing outcomes, including in wounds that previously had failed to heal. The simplicity of using HRWD1 as a single dressing can help clinicians overcome a variety of challenges when treating both acute and hard-to-heal wounds, which, with the benefit of proven patient outcomes, could make it an ideal choice for a first-line treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound bed preparation has come into sharper focus over the past decade, with strategies identified to improve wound condition. This article focuses on implementing a wound cleansing policy and measuring, through audits, how this change affected rates of wound infection. From 2016 onwards, the Skin Integrity Team at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust took steps to revise and improve wound care practices. This resulted in the introduction of a wound cleansing pathway incorporating a surfactant-based cleanser in place of saline, with subsequent staff training and other changes made to practice. This study details the steps taken to implement the new pathway, which brought a reduction in wound infections of 84.3% between 2017 and 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presence of bacteria in wounds can delay healing. Addition of a regularly instilled topical solution over the wound during negative‐pressure wound therapy (NPWT) may reduce bioburden levels compared with standard NPWT alone. We performed a prospective, randomised, multi‐centre, post‐market trial to compare effects of NPWT with instillation and dwell of polyhexamethylene biguanide solution vs NPWT without instillation therapy in wounds requiring operative debridement. Results showed a significantly greater mean decrease in total bacterial counts from time of initial surgical debridement to first dressing change in NPWT plus instillation (n = 69) subjects compared with standard NPWT (n = 63) subjects (−0.18 vs 0.6 log10 CFU/g, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups in the primary endpoint of required inpatient operating room debridements after initial debridement. Time to readiness for wound closure/coverage, proportion of wounds closed, and incidence of wound complications were similar. NPWT subjects had 3.1 times the risk of re‐hospitalisation compared with NPWT plus instillation subjects. This study provides a basis for exploring research options to understand the impact of NPWT with instillation on wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The burden of wound care within the NHS is estimated at a cost of £5.3 billion per year and is set to rise annually by 30%. This case series describes the results of using polyhexanide (PHMB) and betaine wound irrigation solution and gels (Prontosan, B.Braun Medical Ltd., UK) across the UK in hard-to-heal (also described as chronic) wounds up to 20 years' duration, with an observation period of greater than one month. Over half of the hard-to-heal wounds were healed and vast improvements to all other wounds were observed. Improvements to wound bed condition were reported as early as two days after commencing initial treatment, with decreases in malodour, exudate, slough and pain reported across the case series. In addition to wound bed improvements, a reduction in dressing change frequency of 55% was observed in hard-to-heal wounds under the new treatment regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various solutions have been recommended for cleanse the wound, however normal saline is favored. Aqueous guava leaf extracts have material that known for antibacterial in the diabetic wound care especially for cleansing. Guava leaf available in Indonesia, but there is unresolved debate about its use. This study use quasi-experimental with pre-test post-test design. Sample in this study consist 19 outpatients who had diabetic chronic wounds care in clinic Kitamura, Pontianak. Analysis of quantitative data was tested with non-parametric analysis, Wilcoxon test and Mann Whitney test to determine the effect of aqueous guava leaves extract in reducing bacterial. Results sowed that he number of bacteria colonies after cleansing the wound using aqueous guava leaves extract was decreased. P-value on first day until seventh day for 10% aqueous guava leaves was p=0.008 (p0.05), but 20% aqueous guava leaves extract most effective than 10% aqueous guava leaves extract.

The care of any wound in the community requires multidisciplinary working between healthcare professionals. In this article, the authors offer five generalisable principles that colleagues providing community care can apply in order to achieve timely wound healing: (1) assessment and exclusion of disease processes; (2) wound cleansing; (3) timely dressing change; (4) appropriate (dressing choice; and (5) considered antibiotic prescription. High-quality wound care is an essential aspect of healthcare practice but lacks an evidence base and standardised practice at present. The practice and teaching of wound care should be more greatly emphasised in healthcare training for all disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 20 November 2018, following the International Society for Paediatric Wound Care conference, a closed panel meeting took place in which the use of a surfactant-based gel (PluroGel (PMM), Medline Industries, Illinois, US) in paediatric wound care was discussed. The authors shared their experiences, thoughts, experimental data and clinical results. The panel identified the need for a product that can gently cleanse paediatric wounds and remove devitalised tissue without causing discomfort or skin reactions, as well as potentially promote healing. In adults, PMM has been shown to assist healing by hydrating the wound, controlling exudate and debriding non-viable tissue. Islands of neo-epithelium have also been reported to appear rapidly in different parts of the wound bed. No adverse effects on these proliferating cells have been observed. In vitro data suggest that PMM can remove biofilm, as well as potentially promote healing through cell salvage. The panel, therefore, set out to discuss their experiences of using PMM in the paediatric patients and to establish a consensus on the indications for its use and application in this population. This article will describe the main outcomes of that discussion and present case studies from paediatric patients with a variety of wound types, who were treated with PMM by members of the panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, there has been a plethora of evidence-based literature on effective and ineffective wound management practices; however, some healthcare professionals continue to manage wounds using outmoded or ritualistic practices. The key areas are: frequency of dressing changes; maintenance of a moist environment to aid healing; when wounds should be cleansed; and which cleaning solutions to use. This article presents the evidence base in these key four areas and aims to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions to ensure that healthcare professionals can be confident that they are delivering upto- date, evidence-based wound care in accordance with the Code of Conduct (Nursing and Midwifery Council [NMC], 2015). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is commonly used in wound management of both acute and chronic wounds. As wound care has advanced, traditional NPWT has evolved to include instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d). To better understand the potential clinical benefits of NPWTi-d, an assessment of the available literature focusing on NPWTi-d mechanisms of action in wound management was conducted. Methods. A literature search was performed for abstracts and articles published between 2010 and 2023. Published studies in English that discussed NPWTi-d mechanisms of action and included a study population larger than 10 patients were examined. Results. A total of 1878 articles were identified through the literature search. After removal of duplicates and article reviews, 29 studies discussing the mechanisms of action for NPWTi-d were found. Study types included case series (n = 20), comparative study (n = 6), randomized controlled trial (n = 2), and retrospective study (n = 1). These studies included approximately 1108 patients who received NPWTi-d as part of a wound care treatment plan. NPWTi-d use was associated with improved wound and clinical outcomes through wound cleansing, removal of exudate and infectious materials, and promotion of granulation tissue development. Conclusions. The mechanisms of action for NPWTi-d helps provide wound management through wound cleansing, removal of exudate and infectious materials, and promoting the development of granulation tissue. Additional studies are warranted to fully assess the potential clinical and health economic benefits of NPWTi-d use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The burn patient is easily subject to colonization by microorganisms and infection, due to reduced defence capabilities and immune dysfunction. Moreover, burn units and intensive care units are characterized by a selection of resistant bacterial strains. If the burn patient is not adequately cared for in terms of infection prevention and control, sepsis is inevitable. Nowadays, several different antiseptics and antiseptic dressings are used in the topical treatment of burns, each with positive and negative effects. Topical antiseptics allow control of bacterial load, but they can also cause cytotoxicity and reduce healing rate. Choosing the most effective antiseptic is crucial to preventing infection from compromising wound healing. The present study aims to review the available literature in order to highlight evidence on the use of topical antiseptics in burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare different wound‐rinsing solutions to determine differences in the efficiency and to evaluate three different in vitro models for wound cleansing. Different wound‐rinsing solutions (physiological saline solution, ringer lactate solution for wound irrigation, water and a solution containing polihexanide and the surfactant undecylenamidopropyl‐betain) were applied on standardised test models (one‐ and three‐chamber model, flow‐cell method and a biofilm model), each challenged with three different standardised wound test soils. In the one‐chamber model saline showed a better effect on decontaminating proteins than the ringer lactate solution. In the flow‐cell method, water performed better than physiological saline solution, whereas ringer lactate solution demonstrated the lowest cleansing effect. No obvious superiority between the two electrolyte‐containing solutions was detectable in the biofilm model. Unfortunately, it was not possible to assess the protein decontamination qualities of the surfactant‐containing solution because of the interference with the protein measurement. The flow‐cell method was able to detect differences between different rinse solutions because it works at constant flow mechanics, imitating a wound‐rinsing procedure. The three‐chamber and the less‐pronounced modified one‐chamber method as well as the biofilm model had generated inhomogeneous results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe our experience with a novel foam dressing architecture in tandem with negative pressure wound therapy and instillation ( NPWTi-d) for removing viscous wound exudate and infectious materials. A retrospective review was conducted of the outcomes of 21 patients who received NPWTi-d using a reticulated open cell foam instillation dressing with through holes ( ROCF-CC) designed to facilitate the removal of thick wound exudate and infectious materials. NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC was used to treat large complex chronic wounds with viscous wound exudate that contained substantial areas of devitalised tissue. Debridement was performed as appropriate or available. NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC assisted in loosening, solubilising and detaching viscous exudate, dry fibrin, wet slough and other infectious materials. Percent surface area of black non-viable tissue and yellow fibrinous slough was reduced to ≤ 10% in 18/21 (85·7%) and 12/21 (57·1%) wounds, respectively, after an average of 1-3 applications (3-9 days) of NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC. Preliminary evidence suggests that adjunctive use of NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC may help clean large, complex wounds when complete surgical debridement is not possible or appropriate and/or when areas of slough and non-viable tissue remain present on the wound surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Removal of nonvital tissue is an accepted method to eradicate biofilms and to stimulate wound healing. Debridement using a monofilament polyester fiber pad has clinically been shown to be effective as well as pain and trauma free. Methods: For in vitro determination of the cleansing capacity of this product compared to gauze swabs, a wound debridement model was used with glass plates coated with a bovine serum albumin solution, stained with hematoxylin. Both products were moistened and fixed to a weight connected to a regulated motor and were then pulled over the holding device with the coated glass plate under standardized conditions (power = 0.067 N/cm2, velocity = 1.6 cm/s). Results: At a low coating concentration (0.5%) both products were equally effective, but at a high concentration (1.5%) cleansing did not occur after 5 wipes. When wiping the plates 15 times, the debridement pad cleansed significantly (p < 0.001) better than gauze. When consecutively wiping 4 coated plates with a single debridement pad or swab, the pad exhibited and maintained a significantly higher cleansing capacity while gauze quickly lost its effect. Conclusion: Our in vitro test results indicated a higher cleansing capacity of the debridement pad compared to gauze swabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been extensive ongoing debate on the application of aseptic technique in wound management over the previous decades and changes to the way in which theory is applied to clinical practice have occurred regularly. Clinicians often express confusion over the way various techniques should be applied, particularly when practising in clinical settings in which maintenance of strict asepsis is inherently difficult (for example, community-based wound management). Wound cleansing, use of open but unused wound dressings and storage of wound management equipment are frequent issues on which clinicians request guidance. A systematic review using Joanna Briggs Institute methods was undertaken in order to establish the current state of the scientific literature on this topic and inform the development of recommendations for practice in this field. All levels of evidence were included in the review, including opinion papers. Findings from the 20 quantitative studies were reported in narrative summary and findings from 37 qualitative research papers were aggregated in a thematic synthesis. Although high-level evidence on wound cleansing solutions was identified, the review concluded that there is a paucity of scientific literature on most topics related to asepsis in wound care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Wound Infection Institute (IWII) is a volunteer group of interdisciplinary health professionals dedicated to advancing and improving practice relating to the prevention and control of wound infection. The second edition of Wound infection in clinical practice is an update of the first edition published in 2008 and was endorsed by the World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS). The original document was authored by leading experts who were in wound management, many of whom formed the inaugural committee of the IWII. For the second edition, the IWII collaborative team undertook a comprehensive review of contemporary literature, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses when available. In addition, the team conducted a formal Delphi process to reach consensus on wound infection issues for which scientific research was minimal or lacking. This rigorous process provided a document with an update on the science and expert opinion regarding prevention, diagnosis and control of wound infection. The updated document outlines new definitions relevant to wound infection, presents new paradigms and advances in the management and diagnosis of a wound infection, and highlights controversial areas of discussion. The intent is to provide a practical, updated resource that is easy to use and understand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on several randomized controlled trials reports which reveals use of tap water as a safer method for cleansing of acute traumatic wounds with lower rate of infection as compared to normal saline water. It highlights three main variables in wound cleansing which includes cleansing solution, solution volume and delivery method. It further highlights benefits of tap water for cleansing of acute traumatic wounds in patients which is cost-effective for health care providers.

The following case studies assess the effects of Octenilin Wound Irrigation Solution and Octenilin Wound Gel (octenilin® range, schülke) on non-healing wounds -- for example, wounds with necrotic tissue, slough, and/or wounds that are critically colonised, or wounds that are locally infected (including with MRSA). A variety of non-healing wounds were assessed, including a venous leg ulcer, diabetic foot ulcer and pressure ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of clinical studies and case reports have shown that HydroClean plus effectively cleanses wounds of necrotic tissue, fibrinous slough and bacteria-laden wound exudates. Due to the innovative technology inherent in the polyacrylate superabsorbent material at the core of these dressings, the wound is actively cleansed by the rinsing and absorbing effect of this pad core. Optimisation of the moist wound environment and promotion of autolytic debridement supports the formation of new granulation tissue and leads to progression of wound healing response. This product focus explores the evidence supporting HydroClean plus and hydro-responsive wound dressings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]