The safety and efficacy of trolamine/sodium alginate topical emulsion in postlaser resurfacing wounds

Background: Laser resurfacing is typically used to treat sun-damaged skin or to remove discotorations or scars, and is considered the gold standard for treatment of severe sun damage, rhytides, and dermatoheliosis. Side effects associated with Er:YAG and erbium laser resurfacing include erythema, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and scarring. Proper Wound care following laser skin resurfacing is critical in achieving a successful result via the expedition of reepithelialization, a reduction of morbidity, and the minimization of crusting, discomfort, prUritus, erythema, and swelling. Methods: A placebo-controlled, double-blind study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a trolamine/sodium alginate emulsion (TAE; Biafine (R))-an emollient indicated for wound care in the treatment of postlaser skin resurfacing. The Study was conducted at a center with a group of 30 patients (average age: 56 years). Following laser resurfacing, patients were treated with the TAE applied to one half of the affected facial area, and with a placebo (white petroleum) applied to the other half for 8 days. Physician evaluations of reepitheliatization, granulation, and inflammation were made at days 1 to 8, 18, and 30. Patients self-evatuated any occurrences of redness, itching, and swelling. Discussion: Statistically significant improvements for the TAE versus the control were seen in physician assessments of erythema and edema on day 2, and in physician assessments of global reepithelialization on days 2, 4, and 6. The incidence of adverse events was 36.7%, distributed equally between active-treated and control-treated sides. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the TAE may be a promising nonocclusive treatment for postlaser wound care following skin resurfacing.