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:
For other topical anti-infective 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).
13.11.7. Preparations for promotion of wound healing
Prescribing Notes:
For use by specialists in treatment of partial thickness wounds associated with dystrophic and junctional epidermolysis bullosa (EB) in patients 6 months and older.
It is available via the ultra-orphan pathway with reassessment by SMC following 3 years of data collection. Appropriate paperwork needs completing before prescribing to ensure registration on the national risk sharing scheme.