A comparison of postprocedural wound care treatments: Do antibiotic-based ointments improve outcomes? - 10/08/11
Abstract |
Background |
Topical antibiotic ointments are commonly used for the postprocedural treatment of superficial wounds created during dermatologic procedures. We propose that antibiotics may not be necessary for healing these wounds, have the potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis, and may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.
Objective |
We sought to compare the efficacy and safety of a nonantibiotic, petrolatum-based ointment (Aquaphor Healing Ointment [AHO], Beiersdorf Inc, Wilton, CT) and an antibiotic-based first-aid ointment (Polysporin [Poly/Bac], Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ) for the treatment of wounds created by removal of seborrheic keratoses.
Methods |
In this double-blind study, 30 subjects each had two seborrheic keratoses removed from their trunk or abdomen; one wound was treated with AHO and one with Poly/Bac twice daily. Clinical grading of wound healing and subjective irritation was assessed at days 7, 14, and 28 postwounding. Adverse events were recorded.
Results |
Clinical grading assessment showed no differences between wounds treated with AHO versus Poly/Bac for erythema, edema, epithelial confluence, crusting, and scabbing at any time point. Subjective irritation assessment showed wounds treated with Poly/Bac had a significant increase in burning at week 1, whereas no differences were seen between treatments for stinging, itching, tightness, tingling, or pain. One case of allergic contact dermatitis was reported after Poly/Bac treatment.
Limitations |
This was a relatively small study.
Conclusions |
This study demonstrated that the petrolatum-based skin protectant ointment AHO provided equivalent efficacy for wound healing as a combination antibiotic first-aid ointment. Antibiotics may not be necessary to achieve satisfactory wound healing and may cause allergic contact dermatitis.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : Aquaphor, bacitracin zinc, dermatologic procedures, polymyxin B sulfate, Polysporin, seborrheic keratoses, superficial wounds, wound care, wound healing
Abbreviations used : AHO, Poly/Bac, SK, TEWL
Plan
Publication of this article was supported by Beiersdorf Inc. |
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Disclosure: Dr Draelos has been a consultant for Beiersdorf Inc, Merz Pharmaceuticals, and Johnson & Johnson. Dr Rizer has been a consultant for Johnson & Johnson. Dr Trookman is a consultant for Thomas J. Stephens & Associates. |
Vol 64 - N° 3S1
P. S23-S29 - mars 2011 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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