When a wound is slow to heal, one of the biggest challenges is bacteria and biofilm—a sticky layer of germs that protects bacteria and makes infections hard to treat. This is where Prontosan® wound solution or gel can play an important role.
What Is Prontosan?
Prontosan is a wound-cleansing solution made with two key ingredients:
- Polyhexanide (PHMB): A broad-spectrum antimicrobial that helps reduce harmful bacteria and break down biofilm
- Betaine: A gentle surfactant (cleaning agent) that loosens debris, dead tissue, and bacteria from the wound surface
Together, these ingredients help clean the wound, reduce infection risk, and prepare the wound bed for healing.
Prontosan is generally well tolerated, with a very low risk of skin irritation. When side effects do occur, they are usually mild and short-lived.
Prontosan vs. Saline: Is It Better Than Simple Wound Cleaning?
Normal saline is often used to clean wounds, but research shows that Prontosan offers several advantages:
- Faster reduction in redness, swelling, and inflammation
- Improved formation of healthy granulation tissue
- Better support for wound healing in chronic wounds such as pressure injuries and leg ulcers
- Reduced odor, pain, and wound drainage
Studies also show that Prontosan is more effective at breaking down biofilm than saline. In laboratory settings, it outperforms saline and some other wound solutions, especially when used alongside negative pressure wound therapy (wound vacs).
That said, in venous leg ulcers, evidence is mixed. Some studies have not shown a clear difference in healing speed compared to saline alone, which means results may vary depending on the wound type.
Why Clinicians Like Prontosan
Prontosan is often preferred because it:
- Disrupts biofilm effectively
- Reduces bacteria without harming healthy tissue
- Supports wound bed preparation and granulation
- Can be used safely over time
- Causes less pain and irritation than some antiseptics
Because of its safety and effectiveness, it is commonly used in chronic, slow-healing wounds, especially those showing signs of bacterial burden without overt infection.
How to Use Prontosan® Safely (User Information)
Prontosan® should always be used as directed by a wound care nurse or healthcare provider. It is designed to clean wounds that have bacteria, debris, or signs of biofilm when normal saline alone is not enough. It may also be used alongside silver dressings, if advised by your wound care specialist .
How Prontosan Is Applied
Before Use
- Any creams, ointments, oils, or enzyme products must be fully removed from the wound before using Prontosan
- Prontosan should not be mixed with other wound cleansers (except normal saline, if directed)
Cleaning the Wound
- Prontosan can be gently squeezed directly onto the wound or applied using gauze soaked in the solution
- The wound is cleaned thoroughly — do not rinse it off afterward
- The surrounding skin (peri-wound skin) is also cleaned and then gently patted dry
This direct contact allows Prontosan to break down bacteria and biofilm effectively .
If the Wound Has Debris or Slough
- Light debris:
- Gauze soaked in Prontosan is placed on the wound for 5 minutes
- Heavy debris:
- Gauze soaked in Prontosan is placed on the wound for 10–15 minutes
After the soak:
- The gauze is gently removed
- The wound bed is wiped to remove loosened debris
- The wound is flushed again with Prontosan (do not rinse with water or saline)
- A suitable dressing is then applied to maintain moisture balance .
How Often Is Prontosan Used?
- Prontosan is typically used with each dressing change
- Signs of biofilm or debris often improve within 2 weeks
- Longer use may be recommended if guided by a wound care specialist .
Bottle and Storage Information
- Multi-use bottles (350 mL or 1000 mL) must be labeled with the patient’s name and opening date
- Once opened, these bottles can be used for up to 4 weeks
- The cap must remain on when not in use
- Single-use ampoules (40 mL) must be discarded after one use
- Store at room temperature
When Prontosan Should NOT Be Used
Prontosan should not be used if:
- You have a known allergy or sensitivity to PHMB or betaine
- The wound is a third-degree (full-thickness) burn
- It is being used on the eyes, ears, brain, spinal tissues, or certain cartilage areas
- It is being applied without professional guidance in infants or during breastfeeding .
When to Call Your Nurse or Healthcare Provider
Contact your wound care nurse or healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following:
Signs of Infection or Worsening Wound
- Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pain around the wound
- Pus or thick drainage, especially if it is yellow, green, or foul-smelling
- Fever, chills, or feeling unwell
- The wound suddenly getting larger or deeper
Skin Reactions or Sensitivity
- New rash, itching, burning, or stinging that does not improve
- Blistering or breakdown of the skin around the wound
- Signs of an allergic reaction (redness spreading beyond the wound area)
Problems With Healing
- No improvement after 2 weeks of regular Prontosan use
- Increased slough, black tissue, or new areas of dead tissue
- Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
Dressing or Care Concerns
- Dressings are frequently saturated or leaking
- Pain increases during or after cleansing
- You are unsure how to use products or apply your dressing correctly
Urgent Symptoms – Go To Nearest Emergency Or Call 911
- Rapidly spreading redness
- Severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication
- Fever with confusion or weakness
