Understanding Prontosan®: The Science Behind Better Wound Healing
Effective wound cleansing is an important part of wound bed preparation. Chronic and acute wounds may contain slough, devitalised tissue, debris and biofilm that can interfere with the wound environment and complicate ongoing wound management.
The Prontosan® wound cleansing range from B. Braun combines PHMB and betaine across cleansing and wound gel products designed to support wound cleansing, wound bed preparation and ongoing dressing management.
Why Wound Cleansing Matters
Wound cleansing helps remove material that may interfere with wound assessment and ongoing management. Depending on the wound, this can include exudate, dressing residue, slough, devitalised tissue and other surface contaminants.
Wound bed preparation may involve:
- Removing loose debris and dressing residue
- Managing slough and devitalised material
- Addressing biofilm as part of an appropriate wound-care plan
- Supporting a cleaner wound surface before dressing application
Saline is commonly used for wound irrigation. Products designed specifically for wound cleansing may also incorporate surfactants or antimicrobial ingredients to assist with wound bed preparation where appropriate.
The Prontosan® Wound Cleansing System
Developed by B. Braun, the Prontosan® range combines polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) with betaine.
PHMB
PHMB is an antimicrobial ingredient used in Prontosan® wound-care products as part of the formulation's approach to microbial management.
Betaine
Betaine is a surfactant that helps reduce surface tension and assists with loosening debris, proteins and other material from the wound surface.
Together, these ingredients are used across the Prontosan® range to support cleansing and wound bed preparation.
Clinical Evidence and Experience
Prontosan® has been evaluated in clinical wound-care research, including studies comparing PHMB/betaine wound cleansing with saline in chronic wounds.
A study by Bellingeri et al. (2016) evaluated a PHMB/betaine wound cleansing solution in chronic wounds and reported differences in measures relating to wound bed preparation and inflammation compared with saline.
Prontosan® has also been documented in wound-care case studies across a range of wound types. These publications form part of the clinical literature supporting its use within structured wound management.
You can view the Prontosan® range at Medisa for currently available products.
Using the Prontosan® Range
Prontosan® products can be used at different stages of wound cleansing and dressing preparation. The appropriate product and technique depend on the wound and the relevant product instructions for use.
Cleanse
Prontosan® Wound Irrigation Solution can be used to irrigate and cleanse the wound surface and assist with removal of debris and dressing residue.
Soak
Where appropriate, gauze moistened with the solution may be used as part of the cleansing process in accordance with the product instructions.
Debride
The Prontosan® Debridement Pad is designed for mechanical removal of loose debris and wound coatings.
Apply wound gel where required
Prontosan® Wound Gel or Gel X can be used where an appropriate wound gel is required before application of a suitable secondary dressing.
The Prontosan® Product Range
The Prontosan® range includes complementary products for wound cleansing, wound bed preparation and moisture management.
Prontosan® Wound Irrigation Solution
A ready-to-use wound irrigation solution containing PHMB and betaine, designed for cleansing and irrigation of wounds.
Prontosan® Wound Gel
A wound gel designed to support cleansing and provide moisture within wounds where a gel format is appropriate.
Prontosan® Wound Gel X
A higher-viscosity gel formulation intended for wounds where greater gel consistency and retention are required.
Prontosan® Debridement Pad
A mechanical debridement pad designed to assist with removal of wound coatings, debris and loose material from the wound surface.
Key Characteristics of the Prontosan® Range
The Prontosan® system brings several wound-cleansing functions together within one product family.
- PHMB and betaine-based wound cleansing formulations
- Products for irrigation, gel-based wound management and mechanical debridement
- Designed to support wound bed preparation
- Suitable for use across a range of wound-care settings when clinically appropriate
- Available in multiple formats to suit different wound-management requirements
Prontosan® Available at Medisa
Medisa supplies a range of B. Braun Prontosan® wound-care products for hospitals, clinics, healthcare services and other wound-care customers across Australia.
Products are supplied through Medisa's Sydney operations, with online ordering and support available for healthcare and business customers.
References
The following publications and product materials were referenced in the original article:
- Prontosan Made Easy – Wounds International, 2011 (B. Braun Medical AG)
- Wound Bed Preparation and Cleansing with Prontosan – B. Braun Australia, 2020
- Bellingeri A et al. (2016). Effect of a Wound Cleansing Solution on Wound Bed Preparation and Inflammation in Chronic Wounds: A Single-Blind RCT . Journal of Wound Care 25(3): 160–168.
- Prontosan Case Studies – B. Braun Medical AG, Center of Excellence for Infection Control
- How to Change Dressings Hygienically – B. Braun Medical AG, 2018
- Prontosan Wound Irrigation Solution Instructions for Use – B. Braun Medical AG
