Postoperative wound care after dermatologic procedures: a comparison of 2 commonly used petrolatum-based ointments.(ORIGINAL ARTICLES)(Report)

ABSTRACT

An appropriate selection of topical agents for wound care is important to promote uncomplicated healing. Petrolatum-based ointments, such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment (AHO) and white petroleum jelly, are commonly employed to keep wounds moist postoperatively. While they have beneficial properties for wound healing, they also may cause wound redness and swelling. We decided to evaluate for wound reactivity postoperatively for these 2 commonly used petrolatum-based ointments. We found that surgical wounds treated with AHO had a higher incidence of wound redness (52%) than those treated with plain white petrolatum (12%).

J Drugs Dermatol. 2013;12(2):163-164.

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative wound care is important to promote rapid, uncomplicated healing. Principles of topical postoperative wound management include protecting the wound and keeping the wound surface clean and lubricated. A common practice employed by dermatologists to create this environment is the topical application of a white petrolatum-based ointment.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment (AHO; Beiersdorf Inc, Wilton, CT) and Vaseline ointment (white petroleum jelly; Greenwich, CT) are 2 moisturizers commonly used for standard postoperative wound care. AHO is an over-the-counter skin protectant that contains petrolatum, humectants, and natural barrier lipids.

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