Topical 5% potassium permanganate solution accelerates the healing process in chronic diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

Potassium permanganate has been reported to be an effective treatment for certain types of wounds. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of potassium permanganate in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. A single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus that presented with a foot ulcer persisting for >3 months. The control group (n=10) was treated with the current standard treatment, which comprises of measures for reducing pressure in the ulcerated area, daily cleansing of the ulcer with potable water and antiseptic wash solution, and the application of a disinfectant solution on the entire surface area of the ulcer; while the intervention group (n=15) received the standard treatment plus 5% topical potassium permanganate solution applied once a day for 21 days. In the intervention group, 1 patient did not tolerate the treatment and was eliminated from the study on the first day. The remaining patients tolerated the interventions well. At the end of the treatment period, ulcers in the control group had decreased by 38% whereas those in the intervention group decreased by 73% (P<0.009). The degree of decrease was also investigated; the ulcer size was ≥50% decreased in 40% of patients in the control group and in 86% of patients in the intervention group (P=0.02). In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that topical potassium permanganate is well tolerated and significantly accelerates the healing process of diabetic foot ulcers.

Guidelines on use of interventions to enhance healing of chronic foot ulcers in diabetes (IWGDF 2019 update)

“…A large multicentre RCT with low risk of bias comparing a non‐adherent dressing with an iodine‐impregnated dressing and a carboxymethylcellulose hydrofibre dressing showed no difference between the three products in terms of either wound healing or the incidence of new infection . An underpowered RCT with potassium permanganate in 2018 did not permit any conclusion . The findings of this review echo those of a Cochrane review from 2017 concluding that evidence for the effectiveness and safety of topical antimicrobial treatments for diabetic foot ulcers (dressings as well as other topical formulations) was limited by the availability of relatively few, frequently small, and poorly designed studies …”

Successful treatment with oral methylprednisolone and cyclosporine for refractory pyoderma gangrenosum in children: Report of a case and review of the literature

“…Topical government of PG is required to contribute to the healing of ulcers. About 5% potassium permanganate solution and ozonated water have been reported as effective treatment methods for certain types of wounds . We had no idea why the lesion was in progress before he came to us, although with prednisolone over 1 mg/kg/d for more than 1 month.…”

“…About 5% potassium permanganate solution and ozonated water have been reported as effective treatment methods for certain types of wounds. 11,12 We had no idea why the lesion was in progress before he came to us, although with prednisolone over 1 mg/kg/d for more than 1 month. We considered that besides systemic treatment, we actually strengthened measures for wound care.…”

Effectiveness of interventions to enhance healing of chronic foot ulcers in diabetes: a systematic review

“…A single‐blind RCT evaluating potassium permanganate 5% solution in comparison with standard of care, which included offloading and daily cleansing, was identified . The duration of follow‐up was short (21 days), and the study did not report a significant benefit on the primary outcome of ulcer area reduction.…”