Thermal injury represents one of the most complex disease processes known to man. Most healthy individuals live in a commensal relationship with environmental bacteria and fungi. Human skin, particularly the epidermis, provides the first line of defense against these organisms. Once that barrier is breached, the risk of infection increases until that integrity is restored.
It has long been recognized that early interventions aimed at reducing the risk of infection in burn patients result in increased long-term survival. Since the 1970s, the standard of care in burn wound management has included early excision and wound grafting. The fundamental principle of this management is the removal of damaged, contaminated tissue followed by prompt wound closure which decreases the risk of infection. Furthermore, a contaminated wound increases the likelihood of subsequent skin graft failure, further increasing mortality risk. It goes without saying that topical agents aimed at reducing wound contamination also play an integral part in decreasing morbidity and mortality associated with burn injuries.
Currently, there are very few topical agents available for the treatment of wounds and burns that are non-toxic. In wound management, regardless of etiology, a delicate interplay exists in utilizing an antimicrobial agent potent enough to kill a broad spectrum of microorganisms that may colonize a burn wound or skin graft while minimizing cellular toxicity that could damage proliferating epithelial cells. Clinicians have continually struggled to find agents powerful enough to neutralize wound bacteria without harming the injured area.
Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl): A Renewed Solution for Wound Care
In recent years, researchers have revisited the potential of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as a topical antimicrobial agent for wounds. Although HOCl was initially explored as a wound cleansing solution during World War I, its widespread use was overshadowed by the advent of antibiotics. Additionally, earlier HOCl formulations suffered from short shelf life, limiting their practicality.
However, advancements in technology have enabled the production of stable HOCl solutions with extended shelf life. These stable formulations exhibit a pH similar to human skin and, importantly, have been proven non-toxic. Consequently, wound care specialists are rediscovering HOCl, driven by its numerous advantages over conventional wound care solutions and the growing concern of antibiotic resistance.
Within the human body, neutrophils generate HOCl to eliminate invading microorganisms. HOCl exerts its bactericidal effect by disrupting cell walls and achieves microbial kill through oxidation, enzymatic action, and inhibition of DNA synthesis. Crucially, HOCl has demonstrated efficacy in disrupting bacterial and fungal biofilms.
MiraChlor, a medical-grade disinfectant, is a high-purity HOCl solution that mimics the body’s natural endogenous production. Its high stability allows for direct application to burns or the saturation of gauze for application as a compress. With a pH of 5.2-5.5, MiraChlor aligns with human skin pH, ensuring comfortable and pain-free application.
HOCl actively participates in all three phases of wound healing: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. It achieves this through its bactericidal properties, prevention of antibiotic resistance, biofilm disruption, anti-inflammatory effects, reduction of itching and pain, promotion of collagen formation through enhanced oxidation, stimulation of new capillary growth, and modulation of hypertrophic scarring and keloid formation.
Important: The use of MiraChlor for severe burns should be under the guidance of a physician.
Case Study: Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) in Wound Care
Day 0: The wound was initially cleaned with chlorhexidine and dressed with Burnshield®.
Day 1: The patient presented to the emergency department for follow-up. The wound was cleansed per standard protocol using chlorhexidine solution and redressed with Bactigras® (a chlorhexidine acetate 0.5% paraffin gauze). Dressings were changed every 2-3 days.
Day 16: Inflammation and a localized area of infection were observed within the wound. HOCl was then introduced as the primary wound cleanser. The wound care regimen was modified to include daily dressings with HOCl-impregnated gauze (kept wet/moist) secured with crepe bandage.
Day 30: Dressings were no longer required. The patient was instructed to apply a skin moisturizer and protect the wound from direct sunlight.
Reference: H Roos et al., The use of hypochlorous acid in an infected burn wound – a case study, 2021
MiraChlor antiseptic solution
Applications:
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- Skin Antisepsis: Effectively decontaminates skin surfaces.
- Surface Disinfection: Provides broad-spectrum disinfection for all surfaces, including those that come into contact with food.
- Childcare Sanitization: Safely sanitizes children’s toys and belongings.
- Wound Care: Helps prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
- Odor Elimination: Neutralizes odors in the air and on various surfaces and equipment.
MiraChlor antiseptic for medical use
- Pre-, intra-, and postoperative antisepsis
- Antisepsis of wounds, ulcers, and incisions
Flairosol small bottle
Flairosol spray bottles are specifically engineered for use with specialized solutions like HOCl. They offer several key advantages:
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Elegant Design: The sleek and refined bottle design is suitable for various settings, from a doctor’s office to a child’s backpack or even as a stylish accessory in a woman’s evening bag.
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Durable and Sustainable: Flairosol’s patented liquid dispensing technology eliminates the need for pressurized gases or other environmentally harmful propellants. Its refillable design reduces waste and promotes long-term use.
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Superior Performance: Flairosol delivers a consistently high-quality spray performance, combining convenience with safety and environmental consciousness. These bottles meet rigorous safety and health certifications.
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Leak-Proof Design: The smaller bottles feature a locking mechanism on the cap that prevents accidental triggering of the spray pump during transport, making them ideal for carrying in purses or backpacks.
Technical Specifications:
- Spray Characteristics: Fine to ultra-fine mist
- Dosage per Actuation: 0.5 cc
- Spray Duration: 0.75 seconds
- Refillable: Yes, designed for multiple uses