['Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a highly microbiocidal agent active against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Using quantitative microbiology, preliminary studies showed it achieved an appreciable reduction in the bacterial burden in chronic venous leg ulcers. The study aimed to determine whether it has a role as an additional treatment for chronic venous ulcers that have not healed with conventional treatment.', 'On the basis of previous reports we designed a study in which patients acted as their own controls, in that only patients who failed to achieve a 44% reduction in wound size with standard treatment (compression bandaging) received HOCl washes.', 'Of 30 patients admitted to the study, 10 achieved a 44% ulcer reduction after three weeks of standard treatment. In addition to the standard compression treatment, the remaining 20 patients were given HOCl washes over 12 weeks. Of the 20 ulcers, nine (45%) healed and five (25%) reduced in size by over 60%. All patients became free of pain.'] Does evaluation of hypochlorous acid wash in the treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers?