Optimal use of an occlusive dressing to enhance healing. Effect of delayed application and early removal on wound healing.

We examined the effect of delayed application and early removal of a polyurethane dressing on excisional wounds in swine. Backs of pigs were wounded with an electrokeratome, and wounds were divided into the following treatment groups: (1) air exposed; (2) dressings applied immediately after wounding and kept on until wounds were evaluated; (3) dressings applied immediately after wounding and removed at 6, 24, or 48 hours; and (4) dressings applied 2, 6, and 24 hours after wounding. Wounds were excised on days 3 through 7 and incubated in sodium bromide to allow separation of the epidermis and dermis. Specimens were considered healed if no defect was present. To promote optimal resurfacing in superficial wounds, polyurethane dressings need to be applied within two hours after wounding and should be kept in place for at least a 24-hour period.