Antiseptic versus non-antiseptic solutions for preventing infection in acute traumatic wounds: a systematic review.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of antiseptic solutions to that of non-antiseptic solutions in reducing wound infection rate, reducing bacterial load and improving wound healing.

Method: We searched PubMed MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ProQuest Medical Database and medRxiv for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing antiseptic solutions with non-antiseptic solutions in simple, uncomplicated acute traumatic wounds. Qualitative data synthesis was employed.