Lack of burning and stinging from a novel first-aid formulation applied to experimental wounds

Antiseptic-anesthetic first aid formulations typically produce a burning or stinging sensation when used on wounds. The aim of this study was to assess the lack of sting/burn potential of a prototype first-aid wipe when applied to superficial wounds. This was a one-day, double-blind, randomized study, evaluating the stinging/burning sensation from a prototype first-aid wipe with a cellulose base containing 1.0% pramoxine HCL and 0.13% benzalkonium chloride. The study followed a direct comparison test design of four test formulations. The remaining three articles were: (a) sterile 0.9% sodium chloride (no-sting/no-burn control), (b) 3% hydrogen peroxide (first-aid sting/burn control), and (c) 70% isopropyl alcohol (second sting/burn control). The test was performed on 24 subjects. The tape stripping method was used to create four standardized wounds on the volar forearms, reaching the glistening layer. Each test article was applied to the wound for 15 seconds. The subjects were asked to report the intensity of the stinging/burning sensation during the application. The prototype pramoxine-benzalkonium chloride wipe produced significantly less stinging/burning than both 70% isopropyl alcohol and 3% hydrogen peroxide. Also, the prototype wipe did not produce more stinging and burning in superficial wounds compared to the saline control.