Abstract
BACKGROUND: The acetic acid in the form of vinegar has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Acetic acid is reported to be used for medicinal uses at 1-5% concentration. The mechanism behind the regenerative potential of commercial acetic acid has not been fully explored.MATERIALS & METHODS: Twelve Iraqi patients with chronic skin ulceration were admitted and managed at a Dermatology clinic. Patients included men (7) and women (5) of diverse age groups (23-81 years). The aetiology behind the skin ulceration included; diabetic ulcer, decubitus ulcer, and others induced by trauma, bone fracture, insect bites and substance abuse. All patients were strictly treated with commercial acetic acid (at 4-6% concertation) and followed-up in time until the complete resolution of their cutaneous ulcerations.RESULTS & DISCUSSION: This study is quasi-experimental; two cases are discussed thoroughly; the first case belongs to a Caucasian male aged 26 years with schizophrenia and addiction towards psychoactive substances; he developed a refractory ulcer in left cubital fossa following an intravenous injection. The second case belongs to a middle age male patient, hypertensive otherwise healthy; he had a displaced intra-articular fracture affecting the distal end of the left radius; it was surgically treated with an internal fixation which was incriminated for the development of an ulcer over the volar aspect of left forearm overlying the internal fixation site. Local disinfection with commercial apple vinegar was very effective in restoring the skin integrity with minimal scarring.CONCLUSION: The regenerative potential of acetic acid has been marginally covered in the literature. The presented cases indicate a regenerative potential or at least an accelerant role in the process of cutaneous wound healing and repair.
Highlights
The acetic acid in the form of vinegar has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times
This study is quasi-experimental; two cases are discussed thoroughly; the first case belongs to a Caucasian male aged 26 years with schizophrenia and addiction towards psychoactive substances; he developed a refractory ulcer in left cubital fossa following an intravenous injection
The second case belongs to a middle age male patient, hypertensive otherwise healthy; he had a displaced intra-articular fracture affecting the distal end of the left radius; it was surgically treated with an internal fixation which was incriminated for the development of an ulcer over the volar aspect of left forearm overlying the internal fixation site
Summary
The acetic acid in the form of vinegar has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Acetic acid is reported to be used for medicinal uses at 1-5% concentration. The mechanism behind the regenerative potential of commercial acetic acid has not been fully explored. Acetic acid (AA) has been used as an antiseptic and antimicrobial agent dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. It has been utilised for the treatment of cutaneous wounds, superficial and deep ulcer, including decubitus and neuropathic ulcers (Fraise et al, 2013; Phillips et al, 1968). It is a colourless liquid that when undiluted, becomes known as glacial acetic acid (GAA). It is highly dangerous to skin when concentrated, and it becomes corrosive at a concentration above 25%, and corrosive-flammable at a level above 90% (SIGMA-ALDRICH, A Part of Merck, 2016; TOXBASE, 2016)
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