Zinc chloride spray--magnesium hydroxide ointment dual topical regimen in the treatment of obstetric and gynecologic incisional wounds

Abstract

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of dual topical therapy with zinc chloride spray and magnesium hydroxide ointment in healing incisional wounds. The participants were 100 obstetric and gynecologic patients with abdominal and perineal incisional wounds; 85 completed the treatment regimen, 15 were lost to follow-up. Spray and ointment were applied twice daily and dressings were changed at each application for seven consecutive days. The condition of the wound (the length of the incision, the presence and extent of dehiscence, and signs of infection, such as inflammatory changes and purulent discharge) as well as the degree of pain experienced by the patient were evaluated and recorded on the first, fourth, and seventh days. A more marked decrease in the size of the wound, a shorter healing time, a better control of infection, less dehiscence, and more effective pain control were observed in patients in the treatment group as compared with those in the placebo group. No side effects were noted in patients in either group. The dual topical therapy with zinc chloride spray and magnesium hydroxide ointment proved to be safe and effective in accelerating wound healing in obstetric and gynecologic patients.