Two hydrocolloid dressings evaluated in experimental full-thickness wounds in the skin

Hydrocolloid occlusive dressings are beneficial in wound management in many respects, although the adhesive matrix may disintegrate when in contact with wounds. The purpose of this study was to determine: (1) if material from two hydrocolloid dressings-Comfeel and Duoderm-showing differences in adhesive cohesion, can be chemically identified in granulation tissue; and (2) if the presence of this material influences cutaneous wound healing. In full-thickness skin wounds in rats, components from the two hydrocolloid dressings were phagocytosed as indicated by the presence of foam cells. Extracellular vacuoles (100-400 microns in size) occupied about 25% of the granulation tissue volume in the Duoderm group but less than 5% in the Comfeel group, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The vacuoles contained hydrophobic polymers derived from the respective hydrocolloid dressing, as analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) microscopy. Wound contraction did not differ significantly between the two hydrocolloid dressings. Wounds treated with Comfeel were significantly (p < 0.05) more epithelialized (mean: 78%) than those treated with Duoderm (mean: 41%). The proliferative activity in wound epithelium, as measured immunohistochemically by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, was similar for the two treatment groups, indicating that epithelial migration was impaired in Duoderm-treated wounds. In summary, extensive incorporation of hydrophobic dressing material from hydrocolloid dressings may render the wound bed less suitable for epithelial migration during acute secondary wound healing.