High-dose Topical Zinc Oxide Promotes Healing Indices of Pressure Ulcers: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.
Rayehe Fadaei, Amir Larki-Harchegani, Firozeh Sajedi et al.
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In 30 seconds
This pilot randomized, double-blind clinical trial compared 25% topical zinc oxide cream with a silver-containing dressing, alongside standard care, in 60 patients with stage I or II pressure ulcers. Wounds were assessed on days 0, 7, and 14. By day 14, partial healing was reported in 83.34% of the zinc oxide group versus 60% of controls; peri-wound erythema decreased by 50% versus 9.5%, respectively. Complete healing occurred in 3.33% of the zinc oxide group and no control patients. The authors suggest zinc oxide may be an alternative dressing.
Key findings
- By day 14, partial healing reached 83.34% with zinc oxide cream and 60% with the silver-containing dressing.
- Peri-wound erythema decreased by 50% in the zinc oxide group versus 9.5% in controls on day 14.
- Complete healing occurred in 3.33% of the zinc oxide group; none was reported in the control group.
- The intervention group had significantly higher rates of partial healing and peri-wound erythema reduction than controls (p value < .05).
Why it matters
The trial provides preliminary comparative evidence that 25% zinc oxide cream may improve short-term healing measures and peri-wound erythema in stage I and II pressure ulcers. These outcomes are relevant to wound management, but the findings are from a pilot study with a 14-day assessment period and should be interpreted as early evidence rather than definitive proof of comparative effectiveness.
What to keep in mind
This was a pilot trial with 60 patients and wound assessments only through day 14, limiting conclusions about longer-term healing.