Comparison of the ionic silver-containing hydrofiber and Paraffin gauze dressing on split-thickness skin graft donor sites

The split-thickness skin graft (STSG) donor site dressing has been an inconclusive topic. Each of the Hydrofiber (Aquacel, ConvaTec A Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Deeside, UK) and silver dressings have applied in many types of wound care with favorable outcomes. Our study compared the ionic silver-containing Hydrofiber dressing and paraffin gauze dressing. The subjects were randomized into group A: ionic silver-containing Hydrofiber and group B: paraffin gauze. From February 2006 to 2007, 20 donor sites were recorded. The mean donor site surface area was 145.5 cm (group A) and 135.8 cm (group B). The completed re-epithelization day was 7.90 and 11.20 days, respectively (P = 0.031). The average pain score at rest were 0.74 and 0.80, respectively (P = 0.894). The average pain score on dressing removal were 3.12 and 4.70, respectively (P = 0.027). There was no infection or seroma in both groups. In conclusion, ionic silver-containing Hydrofiber dressing can reduce STSG donor site pain and promote re-epithelization compared to paraffin gauze dressing.