Polyhexamethylene Biguanide (PHMB): An Addendum to Current Topical Antimicrobials

Abstract

Antimicrobials are routinely used in the treatment of chronic and problematic wounds. Despite the on-going increase in numbers and types of products, well-designed clinical trials that support their efficacy are limited. Antimicrobial products are applied with understanding of their mechanisms of action and role in wound repair. This manuscript reviews the major categories of products on the market, providing the clinician with information on the different types of products and their purported effect on wounds. A new product containing polyhexamethylene biguanide is described in greater detail with relevant case presentations and cost data. This new product does not appear to have any known cytotoxicity in the dressing configuration and may be applied to a wide range of wounds.