13.11. Skin cleansers, antiseptics, and preparations for promotion of wound healing
13.11.1. Alcohols and saline
Prescribing Notes:
Sterile sodium chloride 0.9% is often used as an irrigation fluid for wounds and ulcers.
13.11.2. Chlorhexidine salts
Prescribing Notes:
Brands include: Hibiscrub®, Hydrex® and Unisept®. See individual preparation literature for appropriate uses and directions.
13.11.3. Cationic surfactants and soaps
For skin cleansing preparations that contain cetrimide, see section 13.11.213.11.4. Iodine
Prescribing Notes:
The following preparations are available for prescribing on the NHS in primary care:
- Betadine® Dry Powder Spray
See individual preparation literature for appropriate uses and directions.
13.11.5. Phenolics
13.11.6. Oxidisers and dyes
Prescribing Notes:
The 6% solution should be used for skin disinfection, particularly cleaning and deodorising of wounds and ulcers. For other topical antiinfective preparations containing hydrogen peroxide, see section 13.10.1.1.
Prescribing Notes:
- Available as 0.1% topical solution, which should be diluted 1 in 10, and as Permitabs®, where 1 tablet dissolved in 4 litres of water provides a 0.01% topical solution. See BNF and product literature for further information.
- In primary care, prescribers should be experienced in the treatment of dermatological conditions and the use of potassium permanganate. Prescriptions should be issued for named patients.
- For further information on all safety aspects including storage, prescribing and administration in all care sectors, please refer to this guideline from the British Association of Dermatologists (April 2022).