Wound Care Cleansing Solutions

Agent	Effects
Sodium hypochlorite solution	High pH causes irritation to skin. Dakins Solution and Eusol (buffered preparation) can select out gram-negative micro-organisms.
Hydrogen peroxide	De-sloughing agent while effervescing. Can harm healthy granulation tissue and may form air emboli if packed in deep tissue.
Mercuric chloride, crystal violet, Proflavine	Bacteriostatic agents active against Gram-positive species only. May be mutagens and can have systemic toxicity.
Cetrimide (quarternary ammonium)	Good detergent, active against Gram-positive and -negative organisms, but high toxicity to tissue.
Chlorhexidine	Active against gram-positive and -negative organisms, with small effect on tissue.
Acetic acid (0.5% to 5%)	Low pH, effective against Pseudomonas species, may select out S. aureus.
Povidone iodine	Broad spectrum of activity, although decreased in the presence of pus or exudates. Toxic with prolonged use or over large areas.