A trial of silver-zinc-allantoinate in the treatment of leg ulcers
H. W. Margraf and T. H. Covey Jr
Three hundred thirty-nine of 400 chronic cutaneous ulcers in 264 patients
(including some with multiple or bilateral ulcers of both) were healed with
silver-zinc-allantoinate creamed (AZAC 1%). Some of the patients treated
had failed to respond to medicated wrappings, saline dressings, and various
other therapeutic agents, including antibiotics. In one week of treatment
with AZAC 1%, bacterial counts were reduced on the average from
approximately 2 X 10(7) to 2 X 10(5) (99%). Silver-zinc-allantoinate cream
also demonstrated a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity. It did not
give rise to resistance by the infecting organisms, was nonallergenic,
debrided necrotic tissue, and stimulated healthy granulation. Treatment was
well tolerated, side effects being limited to a burning sensation in three
patients. Most patients cared for themselves at home with minimal
interference in their usual daily activities.
