The use of povidone-iodine has been discouraged because it has been reported to have a corrosive effect on stainless steel pins, and a reduced antibiotic effect when in contact with exudate (Ward 1998). Use of hydrogen peroxide has also been discouraged because of the damaging effect it can have on healthy tissue (Olson 1996).
Chlorhexidine gluconate is a rapidly acting antimicrobial cleansing solution. McKenzie (1999) stated that it was more effective against gram-negative bacteria than gram-positive bacteria. However, Ward (1998) emphasised that