Postprocedural wound-healing efficacy following removal of dermatosis papulosa
nigra lesions in an African American population: a comparison of a skin
protectant ointment and a topical antibiotic.
Author(s): Taylor SC, Averyhart AN, Heath CR.
Affiliation(s): College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA.
drstaylor1@aol.com
Publication date & source: 2011, J Am Acad Dermatol. , 64(3 Suppl):S30-5
BACKGROUND: Removal of dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) lesions results in
superficial cutaneous wounds that are frequently treated with topical antibiotic
ointments. We hypothesize that antibiotics are not necessary for effective and
safe healing of such wounds.
OBJECTIVE: This study compared the wound healing efficacy and safety of the skin
protectant Aquaphor Healing Ointment (AHO) (Beiersdorf Inc, Wilton, CT) and
Polysporin first-aid ointment (Poly/Bac) (polymyxin B sulfate/bacitracin zinc)
(Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ) after removal of DPN lesions.
METHODS: This double-blind, split-face, pilot study removed two DPN lesions from
each side of the face of 20 African American subjects. Wounds on opposite sides
of the face were treated with AHO or Poly/Bac twice daily for 21 days. Wounds
were evaluated for erythema, edema, crusting, scabbing, epithelial confluence,
melanin confluence, general wound appearance, and subjective irritation on days
1, 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21 after surgery using 5-point scales.
RESULTS: Wound healing parameter assessments showed no differences between wounds
treated with AHO versus Poly/Bac in erythema, edema, epithelial confluence,
crusting, scabbing, melanin confluence, or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation at
any time point. Subjective irritation was similar between treatments for burning,
stinging, itching, tightness, tingling, and pain. No adverse events were
reported.
LIMITATIONS: This was a small study in a homogenous population of African
Americans.
CONCLUSIONS: Postprocedural treatment with AHO and Poly/Bac demonstrated
equivalent wound healing in an African American population. These results support
the hypothesis that antibiotics are not necessary for safe and effective healing
of facial wounds resulting from removal of DPN lesions.
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