A Comparative Study Of Hydrogel Dressing Versus Conventional Dressing In Burns

This study was done for comparative evaluation of Hydrogel dressing with conventional dressing in 2nd degree burns involving up to 25 % of the total body surface area in our S.S.G. Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat state, India from June 2005 to November 2006. In one group treatment with Hydrogel dressing was continued every three days and in the other group conventional dressing with Silver Sulfadiazine & dry gauge was continued every day till complete epithelisation occurred. The time required for complete epithelisation decreased in the Hydrogel dressing group as compared to the conventional dressing group. Hydrogel dressing was found to be more effective for reducing the pain of burns than conventional dressing with Silver Sulfadiazine & dry gauge. Infection rates were nearly equal in both groups. INTRODUCTION Burn injuries are extremely complex. When skin is burnt, its functions are lost and loss of the stratum corneum allows invasion of microorganisms. Partial thickness burns have been treated by daily, painful washing and cleansing of burn wounds followed by topical application of antimicrobials. Pain as well as impaired wound healing is the main problem. Clinicians are still searching for an ideal wound dressing which would provide prompt adherence, water vapour transport, good elasticity and durability. It would create a bacterial barrier, have good antiseptic effects and lack toxicity and antigenicity. It could be easily applied and removed, and would have a long shelf-life and minimal storage requirements. It would have a low cost and markedly reduce the total required treatment cost. Above all, it should limit or eliminate pain. This study attempts to compare a newer dressing material (Hydrogel dressing) versus regular conventional dry gauze dressing with Silver Sulfadiazine which is used routinely in our setup in burns. AIMS OF STUDY To compare Hydrogel dressing with the conventional method of dressing in burns with regard to: Pain during dressing change. Time required for epithelisation.