EFFICACY OF MAGNESIUM SULPHATE WITH GLYCERIN DRESSING COMPARED TO GLYCERIN DRESSING ALONE IN DIABETIC CELLULITIS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Cellulitis in diabetic patients is a frequent soft tissue infection associated with impaired immunity, delayed healing, and increased risk of complications. Optimal local wound care is essential to limit disease progression. Magnesium sulphate, owing to its osmotic and anti-inflammatory properties, may reduce edema and promote resolution. Glycerin is widely used for its hygroscopic and soothing effects. However, comparative clinical evidence between these dressings is limited. Aims: To compare the effectiveness of magnesium sulphate–glycerin dressing versus glycerin dressing alone in diabetic patients with cellulitis. Materials and Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted over a period of 10 months at a tertiary care center and included 60 diabetic patients diagnosed with cellulitis. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 each. Group A received magnesium sulphate with glycerin dressing, while Group B received glycerin dressing alone. All patients received standard systemic therapy including antibiotics and glycemic control. Clinical parameters such as reduction in local edema, pain (assessed using Visual Analog Scale), progression to abscess requiring incision and drainage, and duration of hospital stay were recorded. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of patients was comparable between the two groups. Group A showed a significantly faster reduction in edema, with 23 (76.7%) patients demonstrating improvement within 3–4 days compared to 15 (50.0%) in Group B (p = 0.03). Pain scores were significantly lower in Group A by day 3 (mean VAS: 3.2 ± 1.1) compared to Group B (4.5 ± 1.3) (p = 0.01). Progression to abscess requiring surgical intervention was observed in 4 (13.3%) patients in Group A and 9 (30.0%) in Group B, though this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.12). The mean duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter in Group A (5.2 ± 1.4 days) compared to Group B (6.8 ± 1.6 days) (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Magnesium sulphate–glycerin dressing is more effective than glycerin dressing alone in the management of cellulitis in diabetic patients, providing faster reduction in edema and pain, and shorter hospital stay. It represents a simple, cost-effective adjunct to standard therapy. Further larger studies are recommended to validate these findings and assess long-term outcomes.