Topical stabilized hypochlorous acid is a powerful new antiseptic that can improve wound healing and reduce scarring, making it a promising option for doctors in wound care and plastic surgery.
- Topical stabilized hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is effective for wound care and scar management. - It has strong microbicidal and antibiofilm properties. - HOCl improves the healing environment and may reduce scarring when combined with silicone. - It poses no risks of ocular or ototoxicity compared to chlorhexidine. - Offers an alternative to less desirable wound care methods.
This is from Journal in 2023 at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.13280
1. Hypochlorous acid 2. Wound care 3. Scar management 4. Topical antiseptic 5. Healing properties
Abstract
Background
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a naturally occurring molecule produced by the immune system, is highly active against bacterial, viral, and fungal microorganisms. Moreover, HOCl is active against biofilm and increases oxygenation of the wound site to improve healing. Natural HOCl is unstable; through technology, it can be stabilized into an effective topical antiseptic agent.
Aim
This paper focuses on the use of topical stabilized HOCl in wound and scar management for pre-, peri-, and postprocedures—including its ability to reduce the occurrence hypertrophic scars and keloids. The role of the product in other skin conditions is beyond the scope of this article.
Methods
A panel comprising clinicians with experience in cosmetic and surgical procedures met late 2018 to discuss literature search results and their own current clinical experience regarding topical stabilized HOCl. The panel of key opinion leaders in dermatology and plastic surgery defined key insights and consensus statements on the direction of use for the product.
Results
Topical stabilized HOCl provides an optimal wound healing environment and, when combined with silicone, may be ideal for reducing scarring. Additionally, in contrast to chlorhexidine, HOCl, used as an antiseptic skin preparation, raises no concerns of ocular- or ototoxicity.
Conclusions
For wound care and scar management, topical stabilized HOCl conveys powerful microbicidal and antibiofilm properties, in addition to potency as a topical wound healing agent. It may offer physicians an alternative to other less desirable wound care measures.