Hydrocolloid Dressing vs Petroleum Ointment for Scar Appearance After Dermatologic Surgery
Summary: This investigator-blinded randomized clinical trial (October 2022–October 2023) at an Indiana university compared a single 1-week hydrocolloid dressing (HCD) application to daily petroleum ointment in 146 adults (mean age 61.9 years) undergoing excisional or Mohs surgery with linear repair. Primary outcome was patient-reported scar appearance via modified Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 7, 30, and 90 days; secondary included surgeon VAS, complications, and comfort/convenience ratings. HCD yielded similar scar outcomes (e.g., 7-day VAS difference -0.40, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.10) but higher convenience (86.9% vs 46.8%) and comfort (73.8% vs 48.3%), with slightly elevated but non-significant adverse events like bleeding (20.6% vs 8.8%). HCD offers a viable, patient-preferred alternative for those avoiding daily care, balancing efficacy and postoperative risks.
Key Highlights:
- Design: 146 patients randomized (72 HCD, 74 petroleum); exclusions included flaps/grafts or adhesive allergies; data analyzed November 2023–March 2025.
- Scar Appearance: Comparable patient VAS at 7/30/90 days (differences -0.40/-0.08/-0.09); surgeon ratings similar between groups.
- Complications: Higher in HCD (bleeding 20.6% vs 8.8%, dehiscence 6.2% vs 0%, pain 21.2% vs 12.3%); no antibiotic needs in either.
- Patient Ratings: HCD more convenient (86.9% vs 46.8%, difference 40.1%) and comfortable (73.8% vs 48.3%, difference 25.4%).
- Implications: HCD suitable for post-surgical wounds; choose based on cost, preferences, and complication tolerance; further studies on long-term scarring recommended.
Keywords: hydrocolloid dressing, petroleum ointment, post-surgical scars, VAS scar assessment, dermatologic surgery