BIO-NAIL: a bacterial cellulose dressing as a new alternative to preserve the nail bed after avulsion

Avulsion of the nail plate is the most accomplished surgical procedure among the nail apparatus surgeries. Since it is not possible to use the removed nail to cover the nail bed, some materials have been suggested, however, they are generally not available for use and often at a high cost. To evaluate the use of Bacterial Cellulose (BC) dressing as a biological nail (Bio-Nail) after partial or total avulsion of the nail plate. Twenty-six candidates for nail avulsion, were randomized into two groups: Control, using Vaseline with gauze (11 patients) and Experimental group, BC group, using the Bio-Nail (15 patients). The patients were followed up during the 180-day period. The distribution of the patients in the groups was homogeneous for both sociodemographic and clinical data. The occurrence of infection (1 case in the control group) was not statistically relevant. The BC group had lower pain intensity (p = 0.011) with earlier temporal resolution when compared to the control group (p = 0.003). The BC group presented earlier reepithelization (p = 0.022) and better quantitative (p = 0.021) and qualitative conditions (p = 0.011) for the exudate. Regarding satisfaction, all the patients were satisfied. Good preservation of the nail plate area was observed in the BC group at the end of the 180-day period (p = 0.024). Average time of BC dressing permanence was 16.4 ± 7.1 days. BC showed to be appropriate as a dressing after partial or total avulsion of the nail plate. BC is a Bio-Nail promising for nail bed healing.