Procutase® versus 1% silver sulphadiazine in the treatment of minor burns

The purpose of this randomised comparative study was to evaluate the use of silver sulphadiazine (SSD) 1% cream (Group A) with the use of Procutase® (Group B) in treating burns with a TBSA <10% and a depth not greater than 2nd degree burns and thus suitable for outpatient management. The two groups were similar in age, gender, race, and extent of burn. Procutase® is an ionic hydrogel composed of natural hydrophilic polymers in an active ionic solution with an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-1, -3 and -9 (collagenase/gelatinase). Subjects were seen in follow-up biweekly, and wounds of patients in SSD group were compared with those of Procutase® group for healing time, pain score at dressing change, compliance with therapy and complication rate. The result of this study showed that Procutase® treated patients had statistically significantly less pain and shorter wound healing time. Procutase® can be used successfully in patients with burns that do not require hospital admission.