Vincent Falanga, MD
Professor of Dermatology and Biochemistry

"The development of slow-release antiseptic agents, such as those based on iodine, has rendered antiseptics safe, effective, and reliable in the management of difficult wounds. In my own practice, I have found these therapeutic agents particularly useful in the bacterial "de-colonization" of chronic wounds, an important step in the overall approach to wound bed preparation. As a result, patient management is greatly facilitated, whether one is simply applying standard treatments or using more advanced therapies. The bacterial burden decreases, as does wound exudate. Quite frankly, I don't know what I would do without the use of slow-release antiseptics, particularly in the outpatient setting. I do know that some of my clinician colleagues are still fearful of the word "antiseptics". This fear is rooted in old literature on the use of "straight" antiseptics, with no mechanisms for slow and smart delivery. However, in the field of medicine and in caring for patients, one needs to adapt while remaining critical, and most of all be vigilant about new opportunities that can help our patients.