Getting Back to Basics: Creative, Cost-Effective Wound Care Alternatives
In a compelling rapid-fire session titled “Jungle Wound Care: Getting Creative with Wound Treatments,” Dr Paul Kim, DPM, MS, FACFAS, underscored the urgent need for clinicians to consider low-cost, effective alternatives to traditional wound care products, especially when access or affordability is limited for patients. Drawing on his global experiences and decades-long career, Dr Kim advocated for a return to foundational principles of wound care: cleanliness, accessibility, and practicality.
The Cost Barrier in Wound Management
Dr Kim opened by acknowledging the flood of commercially available products in the wound care space, often showcased in conference exhibit halls. Yet, he cautioned that even a “5-dollar dressing” becomes a significant burden over time, particularly for uninsured or underinsured patients.
“We lose sight that wound care is not a new thing. It’s been around since humans have been on this planet, and it’s always been managed one way or another, even with limited resources,” said Dr Kim.
Having practiced in both urban Washington DC and more rural parts of Texas, he noted disparities in healthcare access, even within the US, and the need to adapt to patients’ financial and logistical realities.
Back to Basics: Soap, Vinegar, and Gentian Violet
Dr Kim emphasized the efficacy of simple wound cleansing with soap and water. “Soap is a surfactant, a detergent. It detaches debris, including bacteria. It’s what we use to wash our hands, our dishes—why wouldn’t we use it on wounds?” he asked.
Likewise, he advocated for vinegar (acetic acid) diluted to 2%, citing evidence that supports its antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and yeast. “It’s very safe. I’ve never met anyone with a vinegar allergy. And if we eat it, we can certainly use it on wounds,” he added.
For antimicrobial dressings, Dr Kim pointed to the efficacy of gentian violet combined with gauze as a substitute for high-cost name-brand options that contain methylene blue. “Paint it with gentian violet, put your gauze on—it’s very similar in effect, and significantly cheaper,” he explained.
Unconventional Exudate Control: Maxi Pads
In another example, Dr Kim recommended the use of feminine hygiene products, specifically maxi pads, for exudate control. “It comes off the same manufacturing line as an expensive surgical pad. It works just as well, and it’s universally available,” he said.
Maxi pads, he noted, can absorb 20 to 50 mL of fluid, making them a viable option for mild to moderate drainage management in resource-limited settings.
Nutritional Support: The Power of the Egg
Highlighting the overlooked value of nutrition, Dr Kim extolled the healing benefits of eggs. Each egg delivers 6 g of protein and approximately 260 IU of vitamin A, which is critical for tissue regeneration. “They’re easily digestible, don’t spike blood sugar, and they’re available even in small convenience stores. Eggs are nature’s multivitamin,” he emphasized.
A Call for Clinical Pragmatism
Dr Kim concluded with a clear message: wound care should balance effectiveness with cost. “We all want to be in that quadrant where things are less costly and more effective. That’s what improves quality of life for our patients without bankrupting them,” he said.
For clinicians navigating the challenge of wound care in economically constrained environments, Dr Kim’s lecture was a timely reminder that sometimes, the best solutions are those hiding in plain sight.
