The influence of dressings on venous ulcer healing--a randomised trial

To assess the effect of different dressings on venous ulcer healing.

A randomised clinical trial.

Patients were randomised to treatment with one of three dressings: a zinc oxide impregnated bandage, a zinc oxide impregnated stockingette, or an alginate dressing. All patients were treated as outpatients and had compression bandaging with two minimal stretch bandages (Elastocrepe) and a stockingette (Tubigrip) to keep the bandages in place.

One hundred and thirteen patients (133 ulcerated limbs) with chronic ulceration of the leg due to venous disease alone, and attending Fremantle Hospital Leg Ulcer Clinic, Western Australia were entered into the study. Healing was measured as complete healing of the ulcerated limb or failure of the limb to heal within 9 months.

There was no significant difference between the three groups in ulcer size, duration, and other parameters compared. Healing was affected significantly by ulcer size and which leg was ulcerated. There was significantly faster healing with the paste bandage.

The use of a paste bandage significantly improved the healing of chronic venous ulcers when used in combination with compression bandaging, and compared to an alginate dressing and a zinc oxide impregnated stockingette.