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Interpenetrating polymer network wound dressing versus petrolatum following facial CO2 laser resurfacing: a bilateral
1Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Background:
Occlusive dressings increase the speed of epidermal wound healing by decreasing wound adherence, maintaining a moisture barrier, and allowing contact with healing factors.
Objective:
To test whether a thin film of silicone and polytetrafluoroethylene blended into an interpenetrating polymer network (SPIPN) can provide improved healing over petrolatum following CO2 laser resurfacing injury.
Methods:
A bilateral comparison of closed SPIPN versus open healing following two different CO2 laser delivery systems for resurfacing was performed. Twenty patients were followed and evaluated at days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 for exudate, erythema, rate of epithelialization, pigment changes, postoperative pain, pruritus, cosmetic results, preference, and duration of postoperative complications.
Results:
Results demonstrated improved healing for SPIPN compared to petrolatum alone. Markedly decreased exudate was seen in 90% of the SPIPN dressing sides. Erythema during the first 72 hours was 1.95 for SPIPN versus 2.6 for open (scale 1-4) (P <.05). Pruritus was 1.67 versus 2.44 (P <.05) for SPIPN versus open during the first 3 days postoperatively. Approximately 75% of the patients preferred SPIPN to control petrolatum. The rate of reepithelialization was also better for the SPIPN dressing, taking only 2 days versus 2.8 days for open control. Approximately 50% of the patients reported decreased pain on the SPIPN side at days 1 and 2.
Conclusions:
SPIPN dressing provides an easily applied, easily tolerated dressing for use after laser resurfacing. Many patients benefit from faster healing, reduced exudate, better appearance during the postoperative period, and decreased postoperative discomfort.
