From the Guidelines
Allantoin is not recommended for wound care in people with diabetes-related foot ulcers, as there is no evidence to support its use in this context, and other treatments have been shown to be more effective 1.
Wound Care and Skin Conditions
When it comes to wound care and skin conditions, the primary goal is to promote healing, prevent infection, and maintain skin integrity.
- Clean the affected area regularly with clean water or saline.
- Debride the wound when possible to remove debris and promote healing.
- Use a sterile, inert dressing to control exudate and maintain a moist environment.
- Avoid using topical antiseptic or antimicrobial dressings, as they have not been shown to improve wound healing outcomes 1.
Allantoin Use
Allantoin is a topical skincare agent with keratolytic, moisturizing, and skin-soothing properties.
- It can be used to treat dry, rough, or scaly skin conditions, minor wounds, burns, sunburn, chapped lips, and diaper rash.
- Typically used in concentrations of 0.5-2% in creams, lotions, or ointments, allantoin can be applied to affected skin areas 1-3 times daily until improvement is seen.
- However, its use in wound care, particularly for diabetes-related foot ulcers, is not supported by the evidence 1.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
The most recent and highest quality study on wound care and skin conditions recommends against the use of allantoin for wound care in people with diabetes-related foot ulcers 1.
- Instead, sharp debridement, basic wound dressings, and maintenance of a moist wound environment are recommended.
- Other treatments, such as systemic hyperbaric oxygen therapy and topical oxygen, may be considered as adjunctive therapies in specific situations 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions Wash and dry affected skin. Apply an ample amount of ointment. Cover with a clean bandage as needed. Repeat procedure 1 to 3 times daily until skin improves or as directed by a doctor. Active Ingredient Purpose Allantoin 0.6% Skin Protectant El uso recomendado de Allantoin para el cuidado de heridas o afecciones de la piel es:
- Aplicar una cantidad generosa de pomada en la piel afectada, previamente lavada y seca.
- Cubrir con un vendaje limpio si es necesario.
- Repetir el procedimiento 1 a 3 veces al día hasta que la piel mejore o según las indicaciones de un médico 2. Es importante tener en cuenta que Allantoin es un agente protector de la piel que contiene un 0.6% de Allantoin 2. Además, se debe tener cuidado al usar este producto, especialmente en casos de heridas profundas, mordeduras de animales o quemaduras graves, y consultar a un médico antes de su uso 2.
From the Research
Recommended Use of Allantoin for Wound Care or Skin Conditions
The recommended use of Allantoin for wound care or skin conditions is based on its properties as a skin-conditioning agent. Allantoin is used in various cosmetic products at concentrations up to 2% 3.
Wound Healing Process
Studies have shown that Allantoin can induce wound healing through the regulation of inflammatory response and stimulation of fibroblastic proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis 4. A natural film based on pectin and allantoin has been developed for wound healing, which reduces the total healing time by approximately 25% 5.
Topical Application
Allantoin can be topically applied to promote epithelial proliferation and wound healing. However, one study found that allantoin 0.5% in vehicle gel did not positively or negatively affect wound healing in a rat model 6.
Skin Hypertrophic Scars
A topical gel containing onion extract, allantoin, and pentaglycan has been shown to be effective in reducing neoangiogenesis in hypertrophic scars and keloids, resulting in clinical improvement of skin lesions 7.
Key Findings
- Allantoin is a skin-conditioning agent used in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 2% 3.
- Allantoin induces wound healing through the regulation of inflammatory response and stimulation of fibroblastic proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis 4.
- A natural film based on pectin and allantoin reduces the total healing time by approximately 25% 5.
- Allantoin 0.5% in vehicle gel did not affect wound healing in a rat model 6.
- A topical gel containing onion extract, allantoin, and pentaglycan reduces neoangiogenesis in hypertrophic scars and keloids 7.