Cleaning is one of the most critical and often overlooked steps in wound management. This was the central message when Wound Management by Bactiguard gathered a panel with international wound care experts and specialists to discuss the Clean to Heal concept, resulting in a consensus report which is now published in the leading wound management media outlet Wound International, a peer-reviewed journal with a long-standing reputation for advancing global wound care through evidence-based insights and expert-led clinical guidance.
The advisory panel brought together a remarkable mix of healthcare professionals from across the globe, from surgeons and nurses to podiatrists and researchers, all with deep, hands-on experience in treating complex wounds.
The key takeaway was that cleaning is not just a routine step at dressing change. Done right, it can kickstart healing, reduce complications, and even prevent infections. But “cleaning” in this context goes deeper than just rinsing. It means removing barriers like slough, debris, necrotic tissue, and biofilm- essentially, clearing the path so the body’s natural healing process and immune system can do their job.
One topic discussed was the use of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as a cleansing agent, which is the active substance in Hydrocyn Aqua®. It was highlighted as a promising and reliable option thanks to its antimicrobial activity and compatibility with human tissue, making it suitable for wounds that are hard to heal or at risk of infection.
Dr. Pankaj Malhotra, Bactiguard’s Chief Medical Officer, comments: “Wound management begins the moment we start cleaning. The wound bed preparation concept is well accepted. With the level of clinical expertise around the table, it was made clear that we need to do more, such as effective debridement and cleansing, which will help in reducing microbial load and maintaining balanced moisture in the wound bed. Both can, in fact, fasten healing. Hydrocyn Aqua® is one example that can support disruption of biofilm and promote healing.”
Professor Dr. Harikrishna K.R Nair, one of the expert panelists, added “If you want the wound to heal, you need to clean it.” The late Dr. Gregory Schultz also emphasized the importance of a structured approach during the consensus meeting: “In practice, ‘clean to heal’ should be integrated into a structured “step-down then step-up” approach to treatment, as part of a full treatment pathway.”
The panel also emphasized the need for practical guidance, simple frameworks, and clear decision-making tools that support clinicians in choosing the right cleaning method for each patient and wound type.
In a healthcare environment where antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern, returning to the basics of wound care, with a sharper focus on cleaning, could make a real difference.
The full consensus report can be found here.
