Efficacy of a Natural Topical Skin Ointment for Managing Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites: A Pilot Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new topical skin ointment with natural ingredients (aloe vera, honey, and peppermint) for dressing skin graft donor sites. DESIGN: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: Researchers enrolled patients who were referred for split-thickness skin graft after burns or surgical wounds on the scalp or face area. For each patient, a thin layer of skin (depth, 0.04 mm; approximate size, less than 15 × 7 cm) was harvested from the thigh by a plastic surgeon with an electric or manual dermatome. The donor sites were divided and randomized to receive either natural ointment or petroleum jelly as a topical agent to dressing. Topical agents were applied on donor site wounds on days 0, 4, 7, and 14. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Wound size, pain, erythema, pruritus, patient discomfort, complications, and physician satisfaction were evaluated at each visit. MAIN RESULTS: Among 28 patients, there was no significant difference between the two treatment agents regarding the rate of wound healing (P = .415), pain (P = .081), pruritus (P = .527), and patient discomfort (P = .616). The ointment was superior to petroleum jelly in reducing wound erythema (P = .001) and was associated with significantly better treatment satisfaction (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The natural topical ointment investigated in this study may be an acceptable alternative to petroleum jelly in caring for split-thickness donor skin graft donor site wounds to effectively promote wound healing, prevent infection and scarring, reduce pain, and comfort the patient.