Use of an Elastomeric Skin Protectant on Periwound Skin Reduces Pain and Itchiness: A 10 Patient Survey

Introduction: Fragile periwound skin is prone to breakdown and can contribute to patient discomfort during care.1,2 As periwound skin health can contribute to wound integrity and patient comfort, it should be assessed throughout wound care and protected from potential damage. Ten consecutive patients rated periwound skin pain and itchiness before and after the initial application of an elastomeric skin protectant.

Methods: Ten consecutive patients presented for care and provided written, informed consent. Patients and wounds were assessed. Antibiotics were given, if necessary. Patients reported periwound skin pain and itchiness on a 10 point scale prior to and after the first elastomeric skin protectant application. Wound care dressings with or without compression socks or wraps were used. Dressing changes ranged from 1 to 7 days. If needed, the elastomeric skin protectant was reapplied every 3-7 days.

Results: Ten consecutive patients were included. Average patient age was 56.1 ± 18.4 years. Wound types included traumatic (n=3), venous leg ulcer (n=3), arterial ulcer (n=1), diabetic foot ulcer (n=1), surgical dehiscence (n=1) or abscess (n=1). Prior to elastomeric skin protectant application, periwound skin pain averaged 5.6 ± 1.1; while periwound skin itchiness averaged 6.6 ± 1.6. All patients showed periwound skin improvement after elastomeric skin protectant use was initiated. Following elastomeric skin protectant application, periwound skin pain was significantly reduced in 9/10 patients (4.2 ± 1.0, p=0.0001). Additionally, periwound skin itchiness was significantly reduced in all 10 patients (3.6 ± 1.0, p=0.0001) after elastomeric skin protectant use.

Conclusions: In these 10 patients, elastomeric skin protectant use under wound dressings with or without compression resulted in improved periwound skin and a reduction in pain and itchiness. Pain reduction was likely due to increased patient comfort as the skin protectant does not have analgesic properties.