Dakin's solution: historical perspective and current practice.

Dakin's solution was first introduced by military physicians responding to the challenges of treating artillery injuries in World War I. Administration was personnel intensive, and at times unpredictable in the conditions of the frontlines, but nonetheless the practice saved countless lives and limbs. Dakin's solution remained the prevailing method for treating contaminated wounds until the introduction of antibiotics during World War II. With the emergence of antibiotic-resistant organisms in the 1980s, interest in antiseptic treatment of wounds resurfaced; especially in chronic wounds, antiseptics once again saw liberal use. However, as the understanding of wound healing advanced, focus shifted from "prevention of infection" to "creation of an optimal environment for the repair process." Concern that antiseptics could be toxic to the cells of the repair process has led many to discontinue their use. Although such all-or-none approaches might simplify the decision-making process, they fail to address the complexity of optimal wound management. As recent research suggests, there may be a renewed role for Dakin's solution.