A RANDOMIZED PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF A HYDROACTIVE DRESSING VS CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT AFTER SHAVE BIOPSY EXCISION

Background and Design.-Fifty shave biopsy sites were prospectively randomized to treatment with either a hydroactive dressing or conventional therapy (bacitracin plus Band-Aid). Time to complete epithelialization, pain, infection, and convenience of the therapy were assessed. Results.-There was no significant difference between the two dressings with regard to time to heal, wound infection rate, or pain. However, patients preferred the hydroactive dressing because of convenience. Conclusion.-Hydroactive dressings did not accelerate healing compared with conventional therapy, but may facilitate wound management because of convenience and time savings in dressing changes.