Efficacy of a Natural Topical Skin Ointment for Managing Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites: A Pilot Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial Publisher Pubmed



Abbasi MS¹ ; Rahmati J² ; Ehsani AH² ; Takzare A¹ ; Partoazar A¹ ; Takzaree N¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Advances in Skin and Wound Care Published:2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new topical skin ointment with natural ingredients (aloe vera, honey, and peppermint) for dressing skin graft donor sites. DESIGN A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION Researchers enrolled patients who were referred for split-thickness skin graft after burns or surgical wounds on the scalp or face area. For each patient, a thin layer of skin (depth, 0.04 mm; approximate size, less than 15 × 7 cm) was harvested from the thigh by a plastic surgeon with an electric or manual dermatome. The donor sites were divided and randomized to receive either natural ointment or petroleum jelly as a topical agent to dressing. Topical agents were applied on donor site wounds on days 0, 4, 7, and 14. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Wound size, pain, erythema, pruritus, patient discomfort, complications, and physician satisfaction were evaluated at each visit. MAIN RESULTS Among 28 patients, there was no significant difference between the two treatment agents regarding the rate of wound healing (P =.415), pain (P =.081), pruritus (P =.527), and patient discomfort (P =.616). The ointment was superior to petroleum jelly in reducing wound erythema (P =.001) and was associated with significantly better treatment satisfaction (P <.001). CONCLUSIONS The natural topical ointment investigated in this study may be an acceptable alternative to petroleum jelly in caring for split-thickness donor skin graft donor site wounds to effectively promote wound healing, prevent infection and scarring, reduce pain, and comfort the patient. © Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.