Wound healing after laser skin resurfacing: The effect of a silver sulfadiazine-hyaluronic acid-containing cream under an occlusive dressing

Introduction: Occlusive dressings promote wound healing after laser skin resurfacing. Our goal was to evaluate whether a cream containing hyaluronic acid-silver sulfadiazine could improve this process. Methods: Ten guinea pigs received laser resurfacing on the skin of their backs. Polyurethane foam film adhesive dressing was applied. A cream containing hyaluronic acid-silver sulfadiazine was applied under the dressing over half of the wound. Skin biopsies were taken at days 2, 4, 7 and 9 and examined by a pathologist blinded to the study. Results: Re-epithelialization appeared to occur faster in the cream-treated areas, together with a lower level of acute inflammation in the early phase of the healing process. Conclusions: The cream containing silver sulfadiazine/hyaluronic acid seems to improve wound healing after laser skin resurfacing in guinea pigs. The clinical application of this finding on humans should be assessed.