For two weeks I enjoyed watching my second degree burn wound heal through the transparent Tegaderm film. It was like a TV spectacular.
At the beginning of Week Three, I noticed tan-colored wound discharge, and I saw my doctor. He said I should take off the Tegaderm and let a scar form. An E.R. doctor friend gave me the same advice. I decided to take their advice. I uncovered my wound, except for the times that I swam with the Tegaderm film. Now, four weeks after the burn, I am waiting for that scab to fall off.
There are two theories as to wound healing: Moist wound healing and dry wound healing.
Moist wound healing can be accomplished by covering the wound with an occlusive, transparent film such as Tegaderm.
Tegaderm then acts as a scab. Water and germs cannot get in. The film can stay on for up to seven days. Proponents of the Tegaderm film appear to be the Tegaderm Company and the many happy users of Tegaderm film on Amazon.com reviews.
Dry wound healing can be accomplished by placing a band-aid on the wound, or leaving it exposed to the air. Proponents of letting a scab form appear to be doctors who, IMHO, are mostly unfamiliar with the use and benefits of Tegaderm film for wound healing.
Apparently the jury is still out on which type of healing is best. I searched the medical literature and found only one study comparing the two methods, and it used burnt pig skin.
The results showed no significant difference between the methods. There were many studies comparing Tegaderm film with similar occlusive wound dressings.
Some day someone will do a study comparing people like me who enjoy showing others their healing wounds via Tegaderm, with people who prefer to cover up their wounds via band-aids.
I hope the Tegaderm team wins. Yes, I chickened out and went the scab route. I can’t wait until my next wound, to try Tegaderm film all the way.
Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.com
