Publication:

Role of cadexomer iodine ointment as debriding agent in 50 cases of skin and soft tissue infections

Background The management of skin and soft tissue infections is a tedious job to tackle as many factors play important roles in wound healing. Wounds can be better managed and healed faster if infection is removed and the way to eliminate infection is by use of antiseptics, antibiotics and solutions over wounds along with the use of systemic antibiotics. In this study, we used cadexomer iodine ointment for management of various types of wounds.

Methods This study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. After screening, 50 patients with various types of wounds (venous leg ulcers, postoperative infected wounds, infected traumatic wounds, controlled diabetic wounds, ulcers with slough, abscesses left for healing by secondary intention after operation) were taken and cadexomer iodine was applied when the wound was infected and had visible slough with pus discharge.

Results Majority of the patients (about 88%) were free of visible slough in about a week and in about two weeks, all patients (100%) were free from visible slough. 74% patients have complete closure of the wound and 22% patients have reduction in total wound surface area between 75-99% in 4 weeks period.

Conclusions Under controlled conditions, cadexomer iodine is a good topical agent for debridement of wounds which are infected and have a visible slough along with pus discharge. It also helps in healing the wound.