Hypochlorous Acid for Community Level Wound Management: A New Horizon in Public Health

Authors

  • Suad Sulaiman PhD, Professor, Sudanese National Academy of Sciences, Sudan,  Elfadil Osman, BSc, Sudanese National Academy of Sciences, Sudan
  • Elfadil Osman PhD, Professor, Sudanese National Academy of Sciences, Sudan, Elfadil Osman, BSc, Sudanese National Academy of Sciences Sudan
  • Bakri Nour PhD, Professor, University of El Gezira and State Ministry of Health, Sudan
  • Mohamed Saud PhD, Professor,University of El Gezira and State Ministry of Health, Sudan
  • Hanan Ali PhD, National Health Labs, Ministry of Health, Sudan
  • Alsharief Nour PhD, Professor, University of El Gezira and State Ministry of Health, Sudan
  • Hassan ElShami MBBS, Omdurman Islamic University, Sudan
  • Eric Rasmussen MD, MDM, FACP, School of Public Health, University of Washington, USA
  • Jeffrey Williams Prof PhD, BVSc, MRCVS: Meinhold Road, Langley, WA, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/p3yewg90

Keywords:

COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT, HYPOCHLOROUSACID, MYCETOMA, SUDAN, WOUNDS,

Abstract

Background& Objectives: Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a safe antimicrobi aleffective for wound care in areas burdened by chronic infections such as mycetoma. Its broad antimicrobial activity, biofilm disruption, and exceptional tissue compatibility make it well-suited for the long-term management of complex wounds. In mycetoma-endemic regions, HOCl offers a practical assistant for infection control and improved wound healing, providing a low-cost option for strengthening community-level care. Methods: This preliminary field-based humanitarian effectiveness, observational study evaluated the topical application of HOCl on seven patients with mycetoma lesions in Wad Shigidi Village, Sudan. The HOCl intervention was adjunctive and topical, not systemic. Weekly field visits were conducted, and lesion responses were documented using photographic and clinical criteria. Results: Patients demonstrated marked reductions in lesion size, discharge, and pain. No adverse effects were reported. Interpretation & Conclusions: HOCl shows promise as a safe, low-cost topical agent for mycetoma and other wound care at the community level in humanitarian settings. Further studies are warranted.

Author Biographies

  • Suad Sulaiman, PhD, Professor, Sudanese National Academy of Sciences, Sudan,  Elfadil Osman, BSc, Sudanese National Academy of Sciences, Sudan

    PhD, Professor, Sudanese National Academy of Sciences, Sudan,  Elfadil Osman, BSc, Sudanese National Academy of Sciences, Sudan

  • Elfadil Osman, PhD, Professor, Sudanese National Academy of Sciences, Sudan, Elfadil Osman, BSc, Sudanese National Academy of Sciences Sudan

    PhD, Professor, Sudanese National Academy of Sciences, Sudan, Elfadil Osman, BSc, Sudanese National Academy of Sciences Sudan

  • Bakri Nour, PhD, Professor, University of El Gezira and State Ministry of Health, Sudan

    PhD, Professor, University of El Gezira and State Ministry of Health, Sudan

  • Mohamed Saud, PhD, Professor,University of El Gezira and State Ministry of Health, Sudan

    PhD, Professor,University of El Gezira and State Ministry of Health, Sudan

  • Hanan Ali, PhD, National Health Labs, Ministry of Health, Sudan

    PhD, National Health Labs, Ministry of Health, Sudan

  • Alsharief Nour, PhD, Professor, University of El Gezira and State Ministry of Health, Sudan

    PhD, Professor, University of El Gezira and State Ministry of Health, Sudan

  • Hassan ElShami, MBBS, Omdurman Islamic University, Sudan

    MBBS, Omdurman Islamic University, Sudan

  • Eric Rasmussen, MD, MDM, FACP, School of Public Health, University of Washington, USA

    MD, MDM, FACP, School of Public Health, University of Washington, USA

  • Jeffrey Williams, Prof PhD, BVSc, MRCVS: Meinhold Road, Langley, WA, USA

    Prof PhD, BVSc, MRCVS: Meinhold Road, Langley, WA, USA

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Published

2026-06-29

How to Cite

Hypochlorous Acid for Community Level Wound Management: A New Horizon in Public Health. (2026). Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, 17(3), 95-102. https://doi.org/10.37506/p3yewg90