A comparative investigation of re-epithelialisation of split skin graft donor areas after application of hydrocolloid and alginate dressings.

The performances of hydrocolloid and alginate dressing materials have been compared in a study of 65 split skin graft donor areas. The donor areas were randomised between the two dressing materials. The rates of epithelialisation, the discomfort experienced by the patients and the convenience of the dressings in clinical use were compared. At the time of the first dressing change 87% of the donor areas dressed with the hydrocolloid and 86% of the donor areas dressed with the alginate were found to be more than 90% healed. The mean time from operation to the observation of complete healing was 10.0 days for the donor areas dressed with the hydrocolloid and 15.5 days for the donor areas dressed with the alginate: this difference was found to be statistically significant. The discomfort experienced by the two groups of patients was comparable. The rapid healing associated with the hydrocolloid dressing was thought to be of greatest benefit to inpatients; alginate dressings were thought to be more suitable for outpatients, as they proved to be simpler to use.