The Use of Polyhexanide and Betaine Combined Preparation in Adult Burn Care in Sri Lanka

Biofilm formation over burn wounds has led to persistent wound infection, poor wound healing, and resistance to antimicrobial therapy. This process ultimately leads to prolonged hospital stays and increased cost of burn wound care, especially in developing countries. Hence, large-area biofilm-targeted therapy should be a mainstay in burn wound care. Polyhexanide is a polymer used as a disinfectant, and betaine is a surfactant. We report a patient managed with a combined preparation of the above two substances. A 44-year-old patient sustained a 22% superficial partial-thickness and mid-dermal burns on the back and right arm after a high-voltage electrocution injury. The patient was treated with dressings containing the above preparation and closely monitored for the healing stages of the burn wound. Complete wound epithelialization with healthy granulation tissue was achieved within 15 days. No surface wound swab culture became positive during the treatment. The patient did not develop any fever spikes, and the white blood cell count was maintained at less than 12,000 mm^-3 with a C-reactive protein level below 50 mg/L. No surgical intervention was needed for further management of the wound. Polyhexanide and betaine combined preparation may be used effectively on the superficial partial-thickness and mid-dermal burns to prevent wound infection and improve granulation and epithelialization. However, high-quality comparative evidence is needed for the confirmation.