The main disadvantage to both the NaOH and phenol procedures is the creation of a chemical injury that denatures proteins. AmeriGel® proliferates proteins to the wound site and promotes granulation tissue development that enhances the healing process.

THE PROTOCOL:
1) After the surgical procedure is completed, flushed, and blotted dry, apply a liberal amount of AmeriGel®. Place an appropriate size piece of gauze over the surgical site to help absorb drainage and secure in place with tube gauze. 2) Instruct the patient to remove the bandage after 48 hours and resume normal bathing with soap and water. After showering, blot the site dry and apply a liberal amount of AmeriGel®. Cover the nail bed with an appropriate size piece of gauze and secure in place with a band-aid. Continue DAILY dressing changes until the drainage ceases.

DISCUSSION:
It should be noted that there is no longer a need for soaking due to the autolytic debriding action. Upon application, patients may experience a transitory stinging or burning. This will diminish in duration and intensity with subsequent applications. The wound will continue to drain post operatively and podiatrists have found essentially no further need for mechanical debridement in follow up visits.

Eliminates patient soaking
Promotes safe and natural removal of devitalized tissue from the surgical site due to it's aggressive autolytic debriding property. Maintains a moist wound bed allowing for free drainage, which is important for treatment of chemical burns.

Reduces healing times by 20-50%
Podiatrists report total matrixectomies heal between 14 - 21 days and partials in 9 - 11 days.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) neutralizes phenol
According to the MSDS for phenol, PEG is recommended for neutralization. Therefore, if you have any residual phenol after the alcohol flush, the PEG in AmeriGel® will aid in neutralization and reduce the potential for post-op chemical hypersensitivity.

Reduces potential complications in healing
Prevents inflammation, potential bacterial resistance, impairment of re-epitheliazation collagen deposition that has been documented with often-used silver sulfadiazine (SSD.)

Broad range antimicrobial/antifungal
Bactericidal against 49 gram + and - microbes, including Staph, Strep, Pseudomonas, Candida and T. ment.

Provides an Antimicrobial barrier
The typical hydrogel does NOT offer bactericidal/bacteriostatic properties. AmeriGel® provides an antimicrobial barrier at wound site. This unique barrier protects wound from contamination while it reduces the bioburden.

Requires only daily dressing changes.