Objectives:

To evaluate the effects of cleansing venous ulcers on the healing, as well as wound cleansing solutions available and wound cleansing techniques used.

Methodology:

A systematic review has been made following the PRISMA statement recommendations. This research used 3 databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane), filtering by language (English/Spanish) and by date (from January 2011 to December 2021). Diagram PRISMA was the base for filtering and evaluating the peer review quality, using the EQUATOR Network and selecting only the randomised clinical trial (RCT) and high or medium quality systematic reviews (SR).

Results:

A total of 790 articles were identified, of which 58 were eliminated as duplicates, 700 after reviewing by title and abstract, and 25 after screening by full text. Of the 7 remaining articles, 5 of them were included as they were of high methodological quality (more than 70% of the items were accomplished), 3 with an RCT design and 2 SR.

Conclusions:

Currently, there is no solid scientific evidence that gives credence that cleansing injuries, adds value, within the comprehensive treatment of wounds. More studies are needed, to give professionals decision-making guidelines for providing safe practices and optimising existing resources, considering the state of the patient, their needs and their comfort during the process of injury care.

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