COMPARISON OF WOUND INFECTION WITH CELLULOSE VERSUS CONVENTIONAL DRESSING IN PATIENTS WITH BURN

Abstract

Background: Partial-thickness burn wounds are commonly managed with topical agents and dressings aimed at preventing infection and promoting healing. Silver sulphadiazine remains widely used but requires frequent dressing changes and is associated with pain and delayed healing. Microbial cellulose dressings have emerged as a biocompatible alternative with fewer dressing changes and improved patient comfort.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at The Pak Italian Modern Burn Center at Nishtar Hospital in Multan from September 2024 to March 2025. Forty patients with second-degree burns were randomized to receive either microbial cellulose dressings (n = 20) or conventional silver sulphadiazine dressings (n = 20). Wounds were assessed every third day for infection, pain, epithelialization, and duration of hospital stay. Pain was measured using the FLACC scale. Data were analyzed using non-parametric tests and Fisher’s exact test.

Results: Wound infection occurred less frequently in the cellulose group compared with the conventional dressing group. Pain scores during and after dressing procedures were significantly lower in patients treated with cellulose dressings (p < 0.001). Time to epithelialization and duration of hospital stay were shorter in the cellulose group, although these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Microbial cellulose dressings reduce procedural pain and are associated with a lower frequency of wound infection compared with silver sulphadiazine in partial-thickness burns. Cellulose dressings represent an effective alternative for burn wound management.