Objective: The efficacy of topical phenytoin in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers was evaluated in a controlled inpatient study.
Research design and methods: Fifty patients were treated with topical phenytoin, and 50 patients matched for age, sex, and ulcer areas, depth, chronicity, and infection were dressed with dry sterile occlusive dressing.
Results: Both groups improved, but the ulcers treated with topical phenytoin healed more rapidly. Mean time to complete healing was 21 days with phenytoin and 45 days with control. The differences seen were statistically significant (P less than 0.05) via the chi 2 test.
Conclusions: Phenytoin appears to be useful as a topical agent in promoting the healing of diabetic foot ulcers.