ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Compound tincture benzoin (CTB) is used as a post-procedure skin seal antiseptic agent since ancient times; but this drug is reported to cause allergic contact dermatitis and other unwanted side effects. Our aim of the present study was to compare alternative agent like Medicated Adhesive dressing (MAD) with CTB as a post-procedure skin seal dressing. DESIGN: This prospective randomized controlled experimental study included an equal number of patients in MAD and CTB as a post-operative seal dressing material for percutaneous interventions. Both the groups were graded for various efficacy parameters like comfort, applicability, dressing material, and immediate post-operative complications by operating doctor and attending nurse with a maximum 10 points in each group. RESULTS: 120 patients were studied in each MAD and CTB group. Out of total patients 31.25% were males and the mean age of the patient was 33.56 ± 11.10. Allergic contact dermatitis developed in 9 (7.49%) of CTB group and in 1 (0.83%) of MAD group (P < 0.002), while local site skin infections were noted in 8 (6.67%) of CTB group and in 1 (0.83%) of MAD (P < 0.002). Operating doctor graded MAD and CTB to 7.60 ± 0.49 and 3.62 ± 0.48 (P < 0.003); and attending nurse 7.40 ± 0.49 and 3.41 ± 0.49 (P < 0.003) respectively. CONCLUSION: MAD is a safe, efficient and non-inferior alternative dressing material for post-procedure skin incision seal in comparison to CTB.