Antibiotics and antiseptics for venous leg ulcers: A review of the literature

Date
2012-01-06
Authors
Rojahn, Ruth
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
ISSN
DOI
Volume Title
Publisher
NursingTimes.net
Peer reviewed
Abstract
A review of the effects of systemic antibiotics, topical antibiotics or antiseptics on the healing of venous leg ulcers found that there is currently no research to support the routine use of systemic antibiotics to promote the healing of leg ulcers. However, the lack of reliable evidence means that the discontinuation of any of the agents reviewed cannot be recommended. The effectiveness of topical preparations such as Povidone iodine, peroxide-based preparations, Ethacridine lactate, Mupirocin and Chlorhexidine in healing leg ulcers requires further research, but there is some evidence to support the use of Cadexomer iodine
Description
Keywords
antibiotics, antiseptics, venous leg ulcers
Citation
Rojahn,R. (2012) Antibiotics and antiseptics for venous leg ulcers. Nursing Times, 108 (1-2), pp. 21
Research Institute