Abstract
Objective: This experimental work examined the healing effect and probable adverse impact of topical Prolavacid(®) solution (a polyhexamethylene biguanide-based wound cleanser) and topical Medihoney ointment in an animal model of cutaneous wound. Approach: We randomly divided 22 adult Sprague-Dawley rats (all were male) in two groups (n = 11): (1) those for which Prolavacid solution was poured on the skin wound surface; and (2) those animals for which Medihoney(®) ointment was applied to the wounds. These two agents were applied daily throughout the study period (21 days). We photographically followed the wounds' contraction with imaging performed on days 0, 7, and 21 postwounding. The histopathologic features of the healing wounds were evaluated using skin biopsies taken on days 7 and 21 postwounding. Results: The difference in mean wound surface area between two groups was not statistically significant on the examined days. Histopathological assessment indicated no statistically significant difference between the Prolavacid- and Medihoney-treated groups on days 7 and 21. We did not detect tissue necrosis following the topical application of Prolavacid solution. Innovation: This was the first study to examine the efficacy and probable adverse consequences of topical Prolavacid on cutaneous wound healing process. Conclusion: Our work showed no statistically significant difference between the efficacy of daily topical application of Prolavacid and Medihoney products on the healing process of fresh cutaneous wounds in our rat model.