I need to know more about the use of sugar or sugar water to help treat wounds, like bullet wonds?

Question

I know It has been used in war time since Neapoleon. What I need to know is how it is used and Why ? And what it does to help the body etc.

Answer 1

The recipe is castor sugar 400g, icing sugar 600g, glycerine BP 480 mL, hydrogen peroxide 3%BP, 7.5mL. Add hydrogen peroxide to the glycerine and stir, the sugars are then added and mixed in a blender. Check out the first link for additional formula of making thin or thick paste.

The scientific explanation for the effectiveness of the use of granulated sugar is based on the low water content (or high osmolality) created in the wound. Every microorganism has a limiting water activity below which it will not grow. All bacterial growth was inhibited at an water activity 195 g sugar/100g water. When the wound is filled with sugar the sugar dissolves in the tissue water creating an environment of low water activity which inhibits bacterial growth. As the concentrated sugar solution causes migration of water out of the tissues into the sugar solution, the solution is diluted raising the water activity. When using sugar in wounds it is necessary to use large amounts and change it once or twice daily to maintain the antibacterial water activity.