Petrolatum versus Resurfix ointment in the treatment of pressure ulcers.

This study compares the therapeutic effects of a new topically applied, nonprescription medication that has been introduced for re-epithelialization of ulcers and erosions of the skin, with petrolatum in treating pressure ulcers of shallow depth (Stage I and Stage II). A 6-week, randomized, double-blind study was performed on 19 patients with Stage I or Stage II pressure ulcers. The patients received either the new nonprescription medication or petrolatum, which served as a control. After the course of the study, the study ointment effected resolution in a majority of pressure ulcers (9 out of 10), while only one out of three ulcers treated with petrolatum resolved in the same time period. These preliminary results show that the study ointment is a safe and effective treatment for Stage I and II pressure ulcers.