Effectiveness of antiseptic soaps in reducing bacterial burden in diabetic foot ulcer

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of antiseptic soaps in reducing bacterial colonization in patients with a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).

Methods

This was a quasi-experimental study conducted in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Data were collected from 32 participants, and those who met the inclusion criteria were grouped into four groups. Wilcoxon and Kruskal–Wallis post hoc tests were used for data analyses.

Results

The decrease in bacterial colonies was not statistically significant when the wounds were cleansed with soaps made of chlorhexidine, parchlorometxylenol (PCMX)/chloroxylenol, tymol, and silver as well as those made of TCC and triclosan, with a P-value of = 0.546 (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Antiseptic soaps containing chlorhexidine, parachlorometxylenol/chloroxylenol, TCC, and triclosan all were equally effective in reducing wound bacteria.