Care of pressure sores: a controlled study of the use of a hydrocolloid dressing compared with wet saline gauze compresses

Abstract

An occlusive hydrocolloid dressing (Comfeel Ulcus) was compared with a conventional wet saline gauze dressing regarding the effect on ulcer cleansing and healing processes, experience of pain and the consumption of nursing time, in a controlled, randomized and partially single-blind study with parallel groups of long-stay patients with pressure sores. After a few weeks' treatment the relative decrease in ulcer areas with time was larger in the group treated with the hydrocolloid dressing. The difference was alsmost statistically significant at week 5 (p=0.054) and definite at week 6 (p=0.006). At week 6 the median remaining ulcer area in per cent of the initial area was 0% in the hydrocolloid dressing group and 31% in the group treated with the saline gauze (p=0.016). Analysis of the healing distribution function showed the hydrocolloid dressing to be more effective, although the overall difference was non-significant (p=0.15). Care of the pressure sore took significantly less time with hydrocolloid dressings.