Mak, S.S., Zee, C.Y., Molassiotis, A., Chan, S.J., Leung, S.F., Mo, K.F., & Johnson, P.J. (2005). A comparison of wound treatments in nasopharyngeal cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. Cancer Nursing, 28, 436–445.
To compare the effectiveness of gentian violet (GV) and non-adherent absorbent dressing in the healing of moist desquamation
The study group were patients with moist desquamation after irradiation. Wounds were cleansed with 0.9% saline at each visit after completion of the assessment by the nurse. Then a nonadherent dressing was applied and secured with tape. Patients applied the dressing on days they were not seen by the nurse. The control group were patients taught to make homemade salted water, who rinsed the wound and then applied GV. Wound culture was taken at the entry of the study and as needed based on signs of infection.
The study took place at Prince of Wales Hospital at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The study used a randomized controlled trial open label design.
No significant differences were found between groups regarding wound healing, healing time, impact of mood changes, social isolation, sleep problems, disturbance in body image, or restriction of neck movement. Initial wound size was greater than 10 cm2. Higher dose of radiation and overall stage were an independent determinant of prolonged time to wound healing. The dressing was not a factor.
The study did not support the use of hydrogel dressings in the care of patients with moist desquamation.