A novel occlusive dressing for skin resurfacing.

BACKGROUND

Over the last decade the benefits of occlusive dressings have been appreciated. These dressings allow the epithelium to resurface easier. The wound heals quicker.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a new silicone sheeting for immediate post-op wound care. Our objective was to determine its benefit in the wound care management after laser skin resurfacing.

METHOD

The silicone sheeting was applied immediately after laser resurfacing in 35 individuals. This temporary skin replacement was held in place with 4 x 4 gauzes and tube gauze netting. Although the tube netting and the 4 x 4 gauzes were changed daily the silicone sheeting remained in place for 4 or 5 days. Following this, applications of a petrolatum-based ointment were continued for another 5 days. At day 10 the skin care program was changed to a moisturizing sunscreen. Bleaching cream was added at day 15 in darker complexed individuals.

RESULTS

The dressing accelerated wound healing. Pain and swelling were minimized under the sheeting. Histologic examinations demonstrated a more rapid reepithelialization at these treated sites. Other than technical problems, such as the riding up of the dressing over the jawline or retraction of the dressing off the lips or off the eyelids, there were no adverse sequelae. The wound healed rapidly and allowed the rapid progression to the application of a moisturizer-sunscreen or a skin-bleaching cream. Other than these technical problems there were no complications. No wound infections were noted.

CONCLUSION

The use of silicone sheeting following skin resurfacing facilitated a rapid reepithelialization of treated areas. There was a remarkable reduction in erythema and edema accompanying the use of the dressing. The program made it possible for patients to return to work in 12-15 days.