Establishment of incontinence-associated dermatitis rat models and assessment of the therapeutic effects of zinc oxide, painless skin protective film and silicone dressing

The aim of the present study was to construct incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) rat models and observe the therapeutic effects of zinc oxide, painless skin protective film and silicone dressing on IAD. A total of 54 rats were randomly divided into nine groups: i) Control group; ii) trypsin model group; iii) model + zinc oxide group; iv) model + painless skin protective film group; v) model + silicon dressing group; vi) synthetic urine combined with trypsin model group (joint model group); vii) joint model + zinc oxide group; viii) joint model + painless skin protective film group; and ix) joint model + silicone dressing group. A total of 4 days after applying the zinc oxide, protective film or silicon dressing intervention, IAD scores and pH values in skin tissues were examined. Skin tissues and blood samples were collected. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) and western blot analysis of MHC-II, NF-κB/p65, phosphorylated (p)-NF-κB/p65, STAT1 and p-STAT1 were carried out in skin tissue. Serum IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2 and TNF-α levels were determined using ELISA. The results demonstrated that IAD scores and pH values were both higher in the model groups than the control, which were significantly ameliorated by silicone dressing. The skin tissue structure of IAD rats both in trypsin model group and joint model group was severely damaged, the wounds were not covered by epidermis, and numerous inflammatory cell infiltrations were observed. After treatment, dermatitis was improved. Skin tissue from the trypsin and joint IAD models had higher MHC-II, NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, STAT1 and p-STAT1 expression than controls, which was decreased by protective film and silicon dressing. Zinc oxide reduced NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, STAT1 and p-STAT1 expression. However, no significant differences were observed in NF-κB/p-NF-κB ratio and STAT1/p-STAT1 ratio among groups. Furthermore, serum IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2 and TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in trypsin and joint IAD rats. The upregulation of these cytokines was significantly inhibited after all three treatments. Among the three treatment methods, silicone dressing had the best therapeutic effect. Thus, these findings revealed that zinc oxide, painless skin protective film and silicone dressing could ameliorate the severity of IAD rat models, and that silicone dressing possessed the best therapeutic effect.

A Novel Silicone Fixation Dressing: A Possibly Ideal Method for Drainage Tube Fixation

Introduction. Some issues of drainage tube after surgery, such as unplanned extubation and local pain, have been puzzling surgeons. Methods. We designed a product that uses a two-way wrap technique to fix the tube in place, absorption pad to absorb excess fluid spill around the tube and a restickable silicone adhersive property which maintains the adhersive strength of the fixation for at least 10 days. Result. The preliminary clinical studies results showed a possibly better fixation property by giving the drainage tube a firmer hold, easy to use device and a relatively painless noninvasive procedure method as compared to the traditional drainage fixation. Conclusion. The novel silicone fixation dressing has graced surgery with innovation by improving on the flaws associated with the traditional drain fixation. Making it a possibly ideal method for drainage tube fixation and highly recommended for clinical use.

A crosslinked polymer skin barrier film for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis: A pilot study in adults

BACKGROUND

Occlusive treatments are a mainstay in atopic dermatitis (AD) management but may not be well tolerated or lack compliance. A comfortable, semiocclusive, artificial skin barrier that is well tolerated, provides protection, and reduces water loss is needed.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential tolerability and therapeutic benefits of a crosslinked polymer layer (XPL) in adults with AD.

METHODS

A single-center, open-label pilot study was conducted involving 10 subjects with moderate to severe AD. Subjects applied XPL up to twice daily for 30 days on a selected treatment area. Investigator's Global Assessment, clinical signs of eczema, and pruritus were assessed on days 1, 3, 5, 15, and 30. Film durability and patient satisfaction were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Investigator's Global Assessment scores improved from moderate to severe at baseline to clear to almost clear in 8 of 9 patients at day 30. Pruritus improved from trace to severe itching (baseline) to all subjects having trace to no itching at day 30. There was 1 adverse event of mild exudative dermatitis.

LIMITATIONS

The study was limited by small sample size, open-label design, and lack of control.

CONCLUSION

XPL may be an effective adjuvant in AD treatment. A larger study with a control group is warranted.

Reducing pain at split thickness donor sites with silicone dressing compared to petrolatum gauze dressing

Many modalities have been introduced to reduce devastating pain at the donor area. This is a prospective, randomized study to assess the effect of silicone dressing in reducing pain at split-thickness skin donor sites, and compare it with traditional petrolatum gauze. The patients were allocated to receive standard dressing (petrolatum gauze) or silicone dressing over skin donor sites. Pattern and severity of pain at the sites were assessed in both groups using the Visual Analog Scale for pain. Pattern of pain at the donor site during the postoperative period was consistently lower with silicone dressing (p<0.005). Regarding severity of pain, there were differences between the two groups (p.<005), but there were no significant differences between the two sexes regarding pattern and severity of pain (p>0.5). This study showed silicone dressing to be superior to petrolatum gauze in reducing severity and pattern of pain. It may increase patient satisfaction.