Do Dressings Influence the Healing of Chronic Venous Ulcers?

Abstract

One hundred and twenty venous ulcers with a mean duration of 26.25 ± 2.6 months were treated as out-patients using a standard graduated compression bandage. To assess the effects of different types of dressing they were randomized to either a non-adherent dressing (NA, Johnson & Johnson, n = 60), an occlusive dressing (Granuflex, Squibb Surgicare, n = 30) or a dressing with silver sulphadiazine added (Flamazine, Smith & Nephew, n = 30). Ulcer size, duration and the patient's age were similar in the three groups. There was no significant difference in healing between the groups with 47 out of 60 (78%) with NA dressings, 22 out of 30 (73%) with Granuflex and 19 out of 30 (63%) treated with Flamazine healed within 12 weeks. Neither topical antimicrobial agents or occlusive dressings improved the excellent rate of healing achieved by carefully applied graduated compression bandaging.