Cutaneous Safety Evaluation of Pure Hypochlorous Acid Solution in Preterm Infants and Neonates With Complex Wounds
Summary: This retrospective series evaluated the cutaneous safety and tolerability of a pure hypochlorous acid-preserved cleanser (pHA) in 100 preterm and neonatal patients with complex wounds. Patients received a mean of 7.6 applications over 18.7 days, including the youngest infant born at 21 weeks’ gestation. Across 766 cumulative applications, no cutaneous adverse effects or wound-related complications (contact dermatitis, erythema, chemical burns, infection, or secondary breakdown) were observed. pHA was safely used concurrently with other advanced therapies such as medical-grade honey, negative pressure wound therapy, and extracellular matrix dressings. The physiologic pH and low cytotoxicity profile make pHA a promising gentle cleansing option for fragile neonatal skin in NICU settings, where traditional antiseptics carry higher risk of irritation or delayed healing.
Key Highlights:
- No adverse cutaneous effects in 766 applications across 100 preterm/neonatal patients
- Safe even in extremely preterm infants (as young as 21 weeks gestation)
- Compatible with advanced wound therapies without added complications
- Authors: Rene Amaya, MD; Emily Heisler, MSN, RN, FNP-C
Keywords: hypochlorous acid, neonatal wound care, preterm infant skin, Rene Amaya