Use of phenytoin in healing of war and non-war wounds. A pilot study of 25 cases.

Nineteen patients with war-related missile wounds and six with refractory civilian ulcers were treated with topical phenytoin sodium powder daily for up to 4 weeks. The mean healing time was 2 weeks for missile wounds, compared to historical controls requiring 6-8 weeks. Healing time was 4 weeks for civilian ulcers that had been unresponsive to any treatment over the previous 5 months. Twenty-two patients had complete healing, three required skin grafts. Wider use of this safe, inexpensive, readily available and easy-to-use agent is suggested because of its positive effect on wound healing and rapid pain relief.