Yong E, Zhu X, Weng J, Ng MJM, Khoo YM, Lo ZJ, et al.
Journal of wound care. Date of publication 2025 Apr 1;volume 34(Sup4c):S4-S13.
1. J Wound Care. 2025 Apr 1;34(Sup4c):S4-S13. doi:
10.12968/jowc.2025.34.Sup4c.S4.
Role of therapeutic treatment with antiseptic solutions in the care of diabetic
foot ulcers.
Yong E(1), Zhu X(2), Weng J(3), Ng MJM(4), Khoo YM(5), Lo ZJ(6).
Author information:
(1)Consultant, Vascular Surgery Service, Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock
Seng Hospital, Singapore.
(2)Senior Nurse Clinician, Nursing Services, National Healthcare Group
Polyclinics, Singapore.
(3)Medical Officer, Department of Orthopaedics, Woodlands Health, Singapore.
(4)Resident, Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Service, Tan Tock
Seng Hospital, Singapore.
(5)Medical Officer, Department of Surgery, Woodlands Health, Singapore.
(6)Head and Senior Consultant, Vascular Surgery Service, Department of Surgery,
Woodlands Health, Singapore.
BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a prevalent and severe complication
of diabetes, leading to significant morbidity, impaired health-related quality
of life (HRQoL) and economic burden on healthcare systems. The complexity of
DFUs often results in prolonged healing and high recurrence rates. Effective
management strategies are crucial for improving outcomes and reducing
complications.
AIM: This study aimed to review the efficacy of antiseptic solutions in the
treatment and care of DFUs.
METHOD: A literature analysis was conducted to review clinical studies and
guidelines on the use and efficacy of antiseptic solutions, particularly
Octenisept® (0.1% octenidine dihydrochloride and 2% 2-phenoxyethanol). The
review focused on the antimicrobial properties, biofilm-disruption capabilities
and wound healing outcomes associated with the use of antiseptic solutions in
DFU management.
RESULTS: Antiseptic solutions have potential to reduce bioburden, disrupt
biofilm and modulate healing. There is a need to balance antimicrobial clinical
efficacy with tolerability and cytotoxicity. The use and choice of adjunctive
antiseptic solutions must be tailored to the patient, as antimicrobial efficacy
can vary for antiseptic solutions, particularly for hypochlorous solutions. It
is important to use products according to their instructions, with consideration
of minimum contact time to maximise clinical efficacy. Low-pressure irrigation
is adjunctive, and concurrent wound-bed preparation, including debridement,
frequent inspection, infection and moisture control, remain important.
CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic application of antiseptic solutions in DFU care
presents a promising approach to enhancing wound healing and reducing infection
risks. Integrating these solutions into standard wound care protocols could
lower the incidence of complications, improve HRQoL and decrease the economic
burden associated with diabetic foot disease. Further large-scale studies are
recommended to validate these findings and refine guidelines for antiseptic use
in DFU management.
DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2025.34.Sup4c.S4
PMID: 40173121 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
