Effectiveness of antiseptic soaps in reducing bacterial burden in diabetic foot ulcer

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of antiseptic soaps in reducing bacterial colonization in patients with a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Methods: This was a quasi -experimental study conducted in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Data were collected from 32 participants, and those who met the inclusion criteria were grouped into four groups. Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis post hoc tests were used for data analyses. Results: The decrease in bacterial colonies was not statistically significant when the wounds were cleansed with soaps made of chlorhexidine, parchlorometxylenol (PCMX)/chloroxylenol, tymol, and silver as well as those made of TCC and triclosan, with a P-value of = 0.546 (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Antiseptic soaps containing chlorhexidine, parachlorometxylenol/chloroxylenol, TCC, and triclosan all were equally effective in reducing wound bacteria. (C) 2021 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.