Topical burn therapy comparing povidone-iodine ointment or cream plus aserbine, and povidone-iodine cream.

A trial comparing three topical agents was carried out in patients with burns. The substances investigated were 10% povidone-iodine (PVP-I) ointment mixed with a proteolytic agent, 5% PVP-I cream alone and in combination with the same proteolytic agent. Differences were observed in healing times and bacteriological cultures. Shorter healing times were observed in burns treated with PVP-I cream. The addition of a proteolytic agent to the cream made no difference to the results. Fewer positive cultures for Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were obtained in the groups treated with the cream. It was concluded that 5% PVP-I cream is a safe and effective topical agent in burns.