Dakin's solution: is there a place for it in the 21st century?. Issue 6 (15th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duarte, Bruno; Cabete, Joana; Formiga, Ana; Neves, José
• Is Part Of: International wound journal. Volume 14:Issue 6(2017)
• Page Start: 918
• Page End: 920
• Publication Date: 2017-02-15
• Subjects: Dakin's solution -- Diabetic foot -- Wound healing; Wounds and injuries -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Wound healing -- Periodicals; 617.1005
• DOI: 10.1111/iwj.12728
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-4801

Abstract

Abstract: Dakin's solution (DS) is a time‐honoured antiseptic that still remains part of the wound care armamentarium. In spite of its cytotoxicity, some question its use in the current era. We report the case of a 52‐year‐old diabetic woman who was admitted for sepsis because of a severely infected diabetic foot. Urgent surgical drainage and debridement left a 9 × 9‐cm deep, complex, infected wound with both bone and tendon involvement. Treatment with local negative pressure was unsuccessful. DS was regularly instilled through a tube left in the wound dressing. A marked improvement was observed with this strategy as the wound bed was much cleaner and fully granulated after 6 weeks. No adverse effects were noted. This case debunks the myth that topical antiseptics necessarily impair wound healing. DS can still be considered an option for difficult‐to‐treat, complex and heavily infected wounds.