The use of gentian violet and methylene blue impregnated foam for treatment of chronic leg ulcers

Abstract

Chronic leg ulcers are frustrating wounds to heal. Successful treatment relies on effective diagnosis and management of the underlying aetiology of the chronic leg ulcer as well as appropriate local wound treatment. Extensive knowledge of the range of dressing products is essential to be able to source the most appropriate dressing for your patient. We present here examples of our early positive experience with a newly introduced product to Australia and its use in difficult to heal wounds. The product is gentian violet and methylene blue (GVMB) impregnated into a polyvinyl alcohol foam (Hydrofera Blue CLASSIC ® , AinsCorp Pty Ltd). It has many advantages including an antibacterial effect with negative pressure wicking of bacteria, exudate and debris, long wear time and pain free removal and it is cost effective. These case reports illustrate three cases where GVMB dressings have been used successfully in chronic leg ulcer management.