Tolerability and efficacy of hydrocolloid dressings in the treatment of venous leg ulcers under tropical conditions: an open prospective study.

Abstract

In the Western world, hydrocolloid dressings are widely used in wound treatment. However, little is known about their tolerability and efficacy under tropical conditions. The purpose of this study was to assess the tolerability and efficacy of a hydrocolloid dressing in combination with short stretch compressive bandages under tropical conditions. Seventeen patients with venous leg ulcers attending an outpatient clinic in Surinam were enrolled in the study for a period of 6 weeks. Swabs for bacterial cultures were taken at the beginning and end of the study. All ulcers showed a good healing tendency. Percentage of granulation tissue in the ulcers improved from mean 27% at start to 92% at the end. Mean circumference at start was 9.9 cm, at the end 4.9 cm. Exudation diminished from moderate in six and severe in eight ulcers, to moderate in 10 and almost none in two ulcers. In general, the dressing was very well accepted, pain was never reported. Leakage was noticed 39 times in the 164 dressing changes. This study revealed no differences in the rate of bacterial infections or colonization of wounds compared with studies performed in temperate regions. Our data indicate that hydrocolloid dressings can be used under tropical conditions.