A recent article by Thomas et al showed that any concentration of betadiene and hydrogen peroxide used to irrigate a wound was more toxic to fibroblasts (required for wound healing) then it was to bacteria. Low concentrations of chlorhexidine remained bactericidial while having minimal affects on fibroblasts.
WIth the addition of this study the routine practice of soaking a wound in betadiene or hydrogen peroxide should be abandoned. Good irrigation with normal saline or even tap water is all that is really needed to decontaminiate a wound. If a bactericidal agent is needed then low concentrations of chlorhexidine should be used.
References
Thomas, GS.Mechanisms of Delayed Wound Healing by Commonly Used Antiseptics. J Trauma 2009; 66:82-91
