Non-conventional topical therapies for wound care

There seems to be a resurgence of interest among healthcare professionals in treating wounds with various topical agents. There are practitioners who are recommending and/or using topical therapies for wounds without having an understanding of why or how they affect a wound. Many of these products are used based upon here-say or clinical observations, since there is a lack of researched-based practice regarding the use of such topicals in wound healing. This article reviews such non-conventional topical therapies as aloe vera, antacids, benzoyl peroxide, collagen, dilantin, gentian violet, impregnated gauzes, insulin, mercurochrome, oxygen therapy, sugar, and vinegar. Each agent is described, its mode of action is discussed, and clinical studies regarding the use of these topicals to promote wound healing are examined, if any. The reader should review this article along with other existing literature regarding topical therapies before making a decision about using such in the care of wounds. When caring for wounds, one should ask, what is the goal of wound care at this particular time? And then ask, based upon available research, what, if any, of these agents can help achieve this goal? The following information should assist one in answering these questions.