Hydrocolloid Dressing Comparable to Petroleum Ointment for Postoperative Scar Appearance, Study Finds
Summary: RCT (n=146 post-dermatologic surgery) compared 1-week hydrocolloid dressing (HCD) vs daily petroleum ointment for scar appearance. No significant differences at 30/90 days (mean difference -0.08/-0.09); HCD rated more convenient (87% vs 47%) and comfortable (74% vs 48%). Slightly higher bleeding/dehiscence in HCD (not significant), supporting HCD as patient-friendly alternative for postoperative care.
Key Highlights:
- Scar Scores: Similar at 30/90 days; HCD slightly better at 7 days (-0.40).
- Complications: Bleeding 21% vs 9%; dehiscence 6% vs 0% (NS).
- Patient: 87% convenient/74% comfortable for HCD vs 47%/48% petroleum.
- Method: Randomized; blinded surgeons; VAS scoring.
- Authors: Bell MC, Gangodawila TW, Morr CS et al.
Keywords: hydrocolloid, postoperative scars, petroleum ointment, RCT, patient convenience, MC Bell, TW Gangodawila, CS Morr