There is a need for use of an antiseptic in wound care in individuals with diabetes mellitus where wounds can be infected with multiple drug-resistant (MDR) pathogens in planktonic or biofilm forms. The antiseptic and appending wound dressing regimen should be non-toxic to cells and offer a simple yet effective solution to treat the infection. An essential component of wound care is to debride wounds and the health care provider should consider the role of dressing type in assisting with debridement.
This case describes the successful treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) with a pharmaceutical-grade hypochlorous acid (HOCl) solution in a 70-year-old female, and a 45-year-old male, both with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. HOCl is an effective antiseptic against drug-sensitive, as well as multiple drug-resistant pathogens, has antibiofilm properties and demonstrates inflammation modulation, which assists with healing. Both cases responded well to daily dressings of surgical gauze saturated with HOCl and retained with a crepe bandage. The case representations suggest that satisfactory results can be obtained with conservative management of DFU. Patients can be treated at home using simple, yet effective gauze dressings saturated with pharmaceutical-grade HOCl. Home treatment, monitored by the health care provider saves time and cost and improves patient compliance and quality of life.
This article was originally published in the International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Clinical Science, 2022 Vol 8 Issue 4, December 2022, Pages: 53-56