Comparison of the open technique with a new wound dressing, H2460, in the healing of an acute wound after laser skin resurfacing.

Background: Applying various dressings or leaving the treated area open are two techniques in use after laser skin resurfacing (LSR). Objective: This study was conducted to compare healing of an acute wound using a new hydrocolloid dressing, H2460, with the open technique. Methods: Immediately after LSR, one side was covered with the new hydrocolloid dressing H2460 and the other side was left open. Participants were instructed to clean the open side four times a day and replace the H2460 dressing if it was dislodged. Results: In the volunteers' and investigator's evaluations, the new dressing H2460 generally outperformed the 'open' technique. At the 1-month follow-up, eight of 10 volunteers reported that the H2460 side resulted in better healing; two of 10 volunteers felt there was no difference between the two sides for final outcome and none believed that the open side had better healing. Overall, the H2460 side healed better in the majority of participants as graded by the blinded observer (60%) and participant themselves (80%). Conclusion: The new hydrocolloid dressing H2460 is a better and suitable alternative to the open technique to manage an acute wound after LSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]