povidone-iodine and Hand-Injuries

An open randomised comparative study was conducted in patients presenting with a hand injury requiring a surgical operation, in order to compare the efficacy of topical application of rifamycin SV with that of iodinated polyvidone dermal solution, in terms of the quality and rate of healing evaluated by the clinician, 268 patients were included in the study and 223 of them participated in the analysis of the results. Analysis of the results demonstrated the following conclusions: signs of infection developed in 8 patients in the rifamycin SV group (7%) and in 20 patients in the iodinated polyvidone group (18.5%). This difference was significant (p = 0.011) in favour of rifamycin SV. The rate of healing was considered to be rapid in 10% of patients in the rifamycin SV group and in 4% of patients in the iodinated polyvidone group. It was considered to be slow in 14% of the subjects in the rifamycin SV group and in 21% of those in the iodinated polyvidone group. This difference was also significant in favour of the rifamycin SV group (p = 0.038). In terms of local tolerance, 32 patients equally distributed between the two treatment groups developed signs of cutaneous intolerance.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Emergencies; Female; Hand Injuries; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; Povidone; Povidone-Iodine; Random Allocation; Rifamycins; Surgical Wound Infection; Wound Healing

A series of 418 patients with lacerations of the hands were allocated randomly to a control group or to a group where the injury was treated with povidone iodine before suture. The incidence of infected and imperfectly healed wounds was determined seven days later. As well as the effect of povidone iodine on infection, thirteen other factors were also analysed. The overall infection rate of 5.0% and the 38.5% imperfect healing rate were not significantly affected by povidone iodine treatment, although both were reduced. The figures of four other trials were combined with this trial and this showed a significant effect of povidone iodine treatment. There were no adverse reactions to povidone iodine. It is therefore recommended that hand lacerations should be treated with povidone iodine prior to suture. Other factors found to be significantly important in wound infection or imperfect healing were the condition of the dressing, the part of the hand injured and pain. Patients should be strongly advised to keep their dressing clean and dry.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Animals; Cats; Child; Clinical Trials as Topic; Hand Injuries; Humans; Middle Aged; Povidone; Povidone-Iodine; Preoperative Care; Prospective Studies; Random Allocation; Surgical Wound Infection; Sutures; Wound Healing; Wound Infection

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Burns; Child; Drug Combinations; Hand Injuries; Humans; Male; Ointments; Povidone-Iodine; Sucrose

Our experience with infrequent and unfamiliar types of injury caused by various compounds of bromine are described and discussed. While bromine containing compounds share some of the characteristics of other common causes of chemical burns, they also have a specific, exclusive mode of affecting the skin. The delay in the appearance of clinical signs and symptoms is an important factor to be considered by those who treat injuries caused by bromine or some of its compounds, or by those who may be the first to see persons who are injured by these agents. As most of the injuries occur at work (92 per cent) it is in these industrial premises that considerable stress should be made of the importance of wearing protective clothing in order to reduce local damage and prevent systemic effects. Prompt first aid, by thorough washing with large volumes of water reduces the extent and depth of the injury.

Topics: Accidents, Occupational; Adult; Bromine; Burns, Chemical; Burns, Inhalation; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; Female; Foot Injuries; Hand Injuries; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Povidone-Iodine; Silver Sulfadiazine

A planned treatment program for burned hands has been developed and was used in 72 burns of the dorsum of the hands. Treatment was individualized on the basis of whether hand burns were superficial or deep. In the former, there was evidence of spontaneous reepithelialization within 14 to 21 days. In the latter, immediate or delayed excision, followed by resurfacing with autografts was done. Both groups received topical antibiotic creaming, elevation, an exercise program as soon as they were able, and splinting of the burned hand in the antideformity position. Hypertrophic scars and unacceptable epithelium were excised when they interfered with function. Initially, this program allowed us to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures in 94% of the second-degree burns of the dorsum of the hand. The third-degree burned hand needed excision and autografting in 100% of the burned hands. This treatment program has as its goals: prevention of deformity by early motion and protection of the unburned and regenerating epithelium by creaming with topical antibiotic ointment.

Topics: Burns; Exercise Therapy; Female; Hand Injuries; Humans; Male; Povidone-Iodine; Skin Transplantation; Splints; Transplantation, Autologous; Wound Healing