research summary

Hydrocolloid Dressing Comparable to Petroleum Ointment for Postoperative Scar Appearance, Study Finds

Edited by:
Ashton L. Stahl

Key Highlights:

  • This randomized clinical trial compared 1-week hydrocolloid dressings (HCD) application vs daily petroleum ointment after dermatologic surgery.
  • Researchers did not find significant differences in scar appearance at 30 and 90 days.
  • Patients rated HCD as more convenient and comfortable than petroleum ointment.
  • Slightly higher, but not statistically significant, adverse events occurred with HCD.

In a randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Dermatology, researchers from a large public university in Indiana found that hydrocolloid dressings (HCDs) produce scar outcomes comparable to daily petroleum ointment after dermatologic surgery. The study, published online October 22, 2025, evaluated whether a 1-time, 1-week application of HCD could provide similar or improved postoperative cosmetic results and patient satisfaction compared to standard wound care.

The study aimed to determine if a simplified postoperative regimen using HCD could reduce the need for daily wound management while maintaining optimal healing and cosmetic results.

From October 2022 to October 2023, 146 adults (mean age, 61.9 years; 58% female) undergoing standard excision or Mohs micrographic surgery with linear repair were enrolled. Participants were randomized to receive either a single application of a hydrocolloid dressing for 1 week or daily reapplication of petroleum ointment. Investigators, including 3 blinded Mohs surgeons, evaluated scar appearance at 7, 30, and 90 days postoperatively using a modified Visual Analog Scale.

Patients with grafts, flaps, topical chemotherapy, adhesive allergies, or hair-bearing surgical sites were excluded. The researchers also assessed secondary outcomes, including surgical complications, patient comfort, and convenience ratings.

Study Findings

At 7 days, patients in the HCD group rated overall scar appearance slightly higher than those using petroleum ointment (mean difference −0.40; 95% CI, −0.70 to −0.10). However, this difference did not persist at 30 or 90 days (mean differences −0.08 and −0.09, respectively). Surgeon evaluations mirrored patient ratings, showing no clinically significant differences between the 2 treatments.

Complication rates were similar across groups. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 20.6% of patients in the HCD group versus 8.8% in the petroleum group, while wound dehiscence was observed in 6.2% versus 0%. Pain was reported by 21.2% of HCD users and 12.3% of petroleum users. No participants required postoperative antibiotics.

Patient satisfaction favored HCD: 86.9% rated it as convenient or extremely convenient, compared with 46.8% in the petroleum group, and 73.8% rated it as comfortable or extremely comfortable, compared with 48.3% for petroleum ointment.

Clinical Implications

According to the study authors, the results indicate that HCD is a practical alternative to daily petroleum ointment for patients who prefer to avoid daily wound care. Both methods yielded comparable scar outcomes and complication rates, suggesting flexibility in postoperative management based on patient preference and resource considerations.

Expert Commentary

“The clinical decision to use hydrocolloid dressing vs daily petroleum ointment should balance cost and patient preferences with their risk of postoperative complications,” the researchers concluded.

Reference:
Bell MC, Gangodawila TW, Morr CS, et al. Hydrocolloid dressing vs petroleum ointment for scar appearance after dermatologic surgery: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermatology. Published online October 22, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.4051