Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 22, 2026
Protocol to Create Chronic Wounds in Diabetic Mice
Published on: September 25, 2019
Update: Topical Antimicrobial Agents for Chronic Wounds
R Gary Sibbald1, James A Elliott, Luvneed Verma
1R. Gary Sibbald, MD, DSc (Hons), MEd, BSc, FRCPC (Med)(Derm), FAAD, MAPWCA • Professor • Medicine and Public Health • University of Toronto • Toronto, Ontario, Canada • Director • International Interprofessional Wound Care Course & Masters of Science in Community Health (Prevention & Wound Care) • Dalla Lana Faculty of Public Health • University of Toronto • Past President • World Union of Wound Healing Societies • Clinical Editor • Advances in Skin & Wound Care • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania James A. Elliott • Faculty • International Interprofessional Wound Care Course • Member • Wounds Canada Research Committee • Trustee • T1 International • United Kingdom Luvneed Verma, MAcc, BSc, MDc • Medical Student • University of Ottawa • Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Alisa Brandon, MSc, BSc • Medical Student • University of Toronto • Toronto, Ontario, Canada Reneeka Persaud • Faculty • International Interprofessional Wound Care Course • Research Coordinator • WoundPedia • Canada Elizabeth A. Ayello, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CWON, ETN, MAPWCA, FAAN • Faculty • Excelsior College School of Nursing • Albany, New York • President • Ayello Harris & Associates, Inc • Copake, New York • Clinical Editor • Advances in Skin & Wound Care • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
General Purpose:
To provide information on the use of topical antimicrobial agents for the treatment of chronic wounds.
Target Audience:
This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.
Learning Objectives/Outcomes:
After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:1. Examine features of wounds and wound healing as well as the purpose of specific antimicrobial agents.2. Identify potential therapeutic and adverse effects of specific topical antimicrobial agents for the treatment of chronic wounds.
Abstract:
Bacteria can delay or prevent healing in the surface compartment of a chronic wound or invade the deep and surrounding structures. This article focuses on the superficial compartment and the appropriate use of topical antimicrobial therapies. The authors have reviewed the published evidence for the last 5 years (2012-2017) and extrapolated findings to clinical practice with critical appraisal and synthesis of the recent literature with expert opinion, patient-centered concerns, and healthcare systems perspectives. Summary evidence tables for commonly used topical antimicrobials are included.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
01:23Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
01:27Chemical Agents for Microbial Control
01:28Antimicrobial Effectiveness
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
01:23Antimicrobial Proteins
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...