Aloe Vera vs Paraffin Tulle Dressings for Pain Management in Split Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Aloe Vera gel dressings compared to conventional paraffin-based tulle dressings in reducing postoperative pain at the donor site of split-thickness skin grafts (STSG). The study will be conducted in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, over a period of six months.

Split-thickness skin grafting is a common reconstructive surgical procedure. Although effective, it creates a donor site wound that often causes significant postoperative pain, potentially affecting patient recovery and satisfaction. While paraffin-based tulle dressings are widely used, they may not offer optimal pain relief. Aloe Vera gel, due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound-healing properties, is a promising alternative that has shown benefit in burn wounds and other superficial skin injuries.

A total of 72 patients (aged 18-60 years, of either gender) requiring STSG will be enrolled and randomized into two equal groups:

Group A will receive Aloe Vera gel dressings applied directly to the donor site.

Group B will receive conventional paraffin-based tulle dressings.

Both groups will undergo secondary dressing using dry gauze and crepe bandages. All procedures will be performed under general anesthesia, and grafts will be harvested at a uniform thickness (0.25-0.30 mm) using an electric dermatome.

Pain will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) on postoperative day 7. Analgesic use (specifically nalbuphine) will be recorded for patients reporting a VAS score ≥4. The primary outcome is the difference in mean pain scores between the two groups; secondary data includes the total analgesic consumption.

This study will provide evidence on whether Aloe Vera gel dressing is a more effective alternative to conventional dressing in managing donor site pain following skin grafting, potentially improving patient outcomes and influencing future dressing protocols.

Inclusion criteria

• • Patients aged 18-60 years of age of either gender needing Split thickness skin graft

Exclusion criteria

• • Patients known to have exaggerated/diminished pain response due to certain medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, neuropathy, chemotherapy, opioids etc.)

• Patients allergic to either dressings