A randomized crossover investigation of pain at dressing change comparing 2 foam dressings

Pain at dressing change is the result of several factors including trauma and skin stripping caused by the repeated removal of adhesive dressings.

To evaluate pain during dressing changes comparing a soft silicone foam dressing (Mepilex Border; Mölnlycke Health Care AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) with an adhesive hydrocellular polyurethane foam dressing (Allevyn Adhesive; Smith & Nephew, Hull, United Kingdom).

In this randomized crossover study, subjects were randomized to 1 of the 2 foam dressings for the first 2 scheduled follow-up visits. At visit 3, local wound treatment was switched to the alternate dressing until the end of the study (visits 4 and 5). Pain was measured with a visual analog scale and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire. The characteristics of the wound and the occurrence of adverse events were documented at each scheduled visit.

A total of 32 patients entered into the study, and 26 patients completed all 5 follow-up study visits. Results indicated lower levels of pain at dressing removal and less periwound maceration in patients who were randomized to the silicone dressings.

The results of this study indicate that soft silicone dressing is associated with less pain before and during dressing changes along with decreased periwound maceration.