Using topical phenytoin to treat recalcitrant neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers may improve wound healing according to a small scale study published in the Journal of Wound Care.

The study involved 32 patients, who were treated once a day for eight weeks, with a topical phenytoin in the form of a 2% aerosol powder along with their usual diabetes treatment.

The researchers found that 25% of patients achieved a 50% reduction in the size of the ulcer after 8 weeks. The treatment did not eradicate bacteria isolated found in the wounds.

The authors recommend further research to find out which patients are most likely to respond to treatment.

Journal of Wound Care; 18:1, 33-37