The use of antiseptics in the treatment of open wounds

Abstract

Efforts to treat an open wound to promote rapid healing without infection must be directed first to the control of hemorrhage and then to the removal of all debris and devitalized tissue by irrigation with saline, but so gently, carefully, and thoroughly, as to wash out and rid the wound of every free necrotic bit, but not to damage the healthy tissue remaining. This is by far the most important element in the treatment. The most essential adjunct is debridement or excision of all the devitalized and contaminated tissue that is not free and cannot be washed out. Antiseptics are of value in skin disinfection, but in the treatment of the wound itself are seldom necessary, and their indiscriminate use may harm normal processes of repair. An antiseptic, however, would be an added safeguard in anaerobically or soil contaminated wounds. In this category, it is suggested that Dakin's solution may be used. An ideal antiseptic for use in open wounds should possess effective bactericidal action and be nontoxic to tissues and not interfere with or delay healing.