Evaluation of scar quality after treatment of superficial burns of the hands and face with Dressilk or Biobrane-An intra-individual comparison.

INTRODUCTION The aesthetic outcome after burn of exposed areas such as the hand and face is of high importance. A number of wound dressings used for the treatment of superficial and partial thickness burns promise rapid wound healing and reduced scarring. Previously, wound healing of hands and faces with superficial burns treated with Dressilk® compared to Biobrane® was evaluated intra-individually with similar results. Nevertheless, up to date objective information regarding the scarring after superficial burns treated with Dressilk® does not exist. METHODS Therefore, 30 patients with superficial burns of the hand and face that were treated with Dressilk® and Biobrane® simultaneously were included in the study. An objective scar evaluation was performed analyzing melanin and erythema levels, skin elasticity, trans-epidermal water loss and scar perfusion three and six and 12 months after injury. Furthermore, a subjective scar evaluation was performed with the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) and the Vancouver scar scale (VSS). RESULTS Dressilk® and Biobrane® both lead to an aesthetic pleasing outcome after superficial burns of the hands and faces. Regarding the objective scar evaluation only trans-epidermal water loss of burned hands after 6 months showed significant differences between the two dressings. However, these differences were not detected in the 12-month follow up examination. In the subjective scar evaluation no statistical differences could be found between the dressings. All patients stated high satisfaction of scar quality. CONCLUSION Dressilk® is an interesting alternative to Biobrane® for the treatment of superficial burns of aesthetic and functional important areas.