SCAR management after dermatologic surgery is a common concern for patients, and effective wound care can influence healing and satisfaction. A recent randomised clinical trial compared the use of a hydrocolloid dressing (HCD) applied once for one week with daily petroleum ointment application in 146 patients undergoing excisional or Mohs micrographic surgery. The study aimed to determine whether HCD offers comparable scar appearance, convenience, and safety relative to the traditional petroleum-based approach.
Hydrocolloid Dressing Versus Petroleum Ointment
Patients using HCD reported slightly higher ratings for overall scar appearance at seven days compared to those applying petroleum ointment, though this difference did not persist at 30 or 90 days. Surgeon assessments aligned with patient reports, showing no significant differences in scar quality between the two treatments at any time point. Secondary outcomes, including wound healing complications, were also comparable. While the HCD group experienced higher, but not statistically significant, rates of minor adverse events such as postoperative bleeding, wound dehiscence, and surgical site pain, no patients required antibiotics.
The study highlights the convenience of HCD, with 86.9% of patients rating it as convenient or extremely convenient versus 46.8% for petroleum ointment. Comfort was also improved, with 73.8% of HCD users reporting comfort compared to 48.3% in the petroleum group. These findings suggest that hydrocolloid dressing is particularly suitable for patients who prefer to minimise daily wound care without compromising scar outcomes.
Clinical Implications for Scar Management
This trial supports the use of HCD as a safe and effective postoperative option after dermatologic surgery. The primary advantage lies in its ease of use, reducing the need for daily application while maintaining similar scar appearance and complication rates to petroleum ointment. Clinicians can consider patient preference, convenience, and comfort alongside cost when recommending HCD or petroleum ointment. Overall, the study demonstrates that a hydrocolloid dressing is a practical alternative for enhancing patient experience during postoperative care.
Reference
Bell MC et al. Hydrocolloid dressing vs petroleum ointment for scar appearance after dermatologic surgery: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2025;DOI:10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.4051.
