Burn injuries in the Asia-Pacific region: use of polyhexamethylene biguanide and betaine surfactant (PHMB-B) for wound bed preparation in children and adults

This case-series supplement serves as an educational resource for health professionals involved in the care of burn injuries. Drawing from clinical experiences across healthcare settings in the Asia-Pacific region, the supplement focuses on the use of polyhexamethylene biguanide and betaine surfactant (PHMB-B) solution, gel and high-viscosity gel, alone or in combination, in managing both thermal and non-thermal burns, including partial-thickness and full-thickness burns, in both paediatric and adult populations. In alignment with international guidance, this supplement reinforces the recommendation to integrate PHMB-B into routine practice. The broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, low cytotoxicity and biofilm-disruptive properties of this combined solution is clinically appropriate for use in complex burn wounds, where infection control and optimal healing conditions are crucial to wound healing.