What is beta‑glucan cream and can it be used as a non‑antibiotic alternative to silver sulfadiazine for burn or superficial wound care in a patient allergic to sulfonamides?

What is Beta-Glucan Cream?

Beta-glucan cream is a topical wound healing agent derived from natural polysaccharides found in yeast, fungi, and cereals that can serve as a non-antibiotic alternative to silver sulfadiazine for burn and superficial wound care, particularly in sulfonamide-allergic patients. 1, 2

Composition and Mechanism

• Beta-glucans are biological response modifiers extracted from yeast, fungal, and cereal sources that function as multi-functional wound healing modulators 2, 3
• These compounds work by targeting macrophages, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts—the key cells involved in wound repair 2
• Beta-glucans enhance wound healing through increased macrophage infiltration, which stimulates tissue granulation, collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization 2, 4

Clinical Applications in Wound Care

Radiation Dermatitis (Grades 2-3)

• Beta-glucan cream is specifically mentioned as a useful option for moderate to severe radiation dermatitis, alongside silver sulfadiazine 1
• The cream should only be applied after radiotherapy treatment, ideally in the evening after cleaning the irradiated area 1
• It can be used for patchy moist desquamation and moist desquamation beyond skin folds 1

Burns and Superficial Wounds

• Beta-glucan wound dressings demonstrate excellent stability and resistance to wound proteases, making them suitable for various wound types 2
• The compound promotes fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and macrophage infiltration during healing 4

Advantages Over Silver Sulfadiazine

For Sulfonamide-Allergic Patients

• Beta-glucan cream represents an ideal alternative for patients with sulfonamide allergies, as it contains no sulfa-based compounds 1, 2
• Silver sulfadiazine must be avoided in neonates and patients with sulfa allergies due to its sulfonamide component 1

Safety Profile

• Beta-glucans possess low toxicity, minimal tissue reaction, and ease of application 5
• Unlike silver sulfadiazine, beta-glucan does not carry risks of percutaneous absorption toxicity 1
• At high doses, silver sulfadiazine can inhibit tissue granulation development, whereas beta-glucans actively promote granulation 6

Additional Wound Healing Properties

• Beta-glucans demonstrate antioxidant activity, anti-wrinkle effects, anti-ultraviolet protection, and moisturizing properties 3
• The compounds exhibit immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities that support the healing process 4
• Clinical studies show beta-glucan formulations can reduce inflammatory processes and bacterial load in chronic wounds 6

Application Guidelines

• Keep the treated area clean and dry between applications 1, 7
• Apply after wound cleaning, particularly in the evening for radiation dermatitis cases 1
• Avoid application immediately before radiation treatment 1
• Can be combined with hyaluronic acid for enhanced wound healing effects 6

Important Caveat

While beta-glucan testing (serum β-D-glucan) is used diagnostically for fungal infections, it can yield false positives in patients receiving IVIG treatment 1. However, this diagnostic test is unrelated to the topical use of beta-glucan cream for wound care.