Hi Kathryn, 

Thank you for your question. This previous Curbside Consult provides a quick background on Dakin's solution: https://woundreference.com/app/post?id=1023

In a nutshell, dilution matters: At the appropriate dilution (0.125% to 0.5%), Dakin's solution can effectively cleanse wounds without causing significant harm to viable tissues. The lower the concentration, the less likely it is to be cytotoxic. 

For management of infected and/or non-healing wounds, Dakin’s solution, modified at a concentration of ten-fold dilution or less (NaOCl 0.025% or less) has been shown to maintain its bactericidal and fungicidal properties without significantly adversely affecting the normal healing process. [1]

So while the pH of Dakin's solution suggests potential cytotoxicity, its actual effect depends on the concentration used and the clinical context (e.g. wound type, patient health status, and other treatments being used).

Hope this helps!

[1] UENO https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30173720/