An important factor in the healing of superficial abrasions is early and effective coverage with a dressing that protects the wound from trauma, drying and desiccation. Pain and anxiety experienced by the patients, during and after dressing changes is always important issue amongst health care workers. In India cost and availability of dressing material are also important factors.
Aim: Present study was performed to establish properties of banana leaf (Musa paradisiaca) dressing as an alternative wound dressing material compared to conventional petroleum jelly gauze dressing in patients with abrasions over head, neck and face.
Materials and methods:40 patients having abrasions over head, neck and face were included in study out of which, 20 patients were given banana leaf dressing and 20 patients were given petroleum jelly gauze dressing. After debridement and thorough cleansing of abrasions, dressing was applied directly over the wound and was changed every day for 7 days. Pain during dressing change, discomfort, status of wound bed and ease of handling dressing material were assessed.
Results: Analysis of the scores revealed that both banana leaf dressing and petroleum jelly gauze dressing were parallel with respect to all parameters except banana leaf caused minimal pain and trauma to the wound during dressing change in majority of the patients and the difference was statistically significant.
Conclusions: Banana leaves (Musa paradisiaca) can be considered among the choices of wound dressing material in abrasions over head, neck and face as they have been shown to cause less pain and trauma during dressing changes, as well as having additional benefits such as affordability and availability, comfort, and convenience of use by healthcare workers.
Impact Factor
2022: 6.012
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