Accelerated wound healing with a dexpanthenol-containing ointment after fractional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing of photo-damaged skin in a randomized prospective clinical trial

AbstractBackground: Laser therapy with an ablative CO2 laser is a prominent treatment option for photo-damaged skin. The healing process and therefore the success of a laser can be supported by an appropriate postoperative treatment of the laser-treated skin.Objective: The effect of a dexpanthenol-containing ointment with petroleum jelly on wound healing after fractional ablative CO2 laser therapy of photo-damaged skin.Methods: A total of 38 patients with photo-damaged skin received fractional ablative CO2 laser treatment. Occlusive wound care was conducted for a period of 7 days. The complete wound area was divided into two sections: one that was treated with a dexpanthenol-containing ointment and a section that was treated with petroleum jelly. This study had three primary outcome measures: (1) Overview images as well as dermatoscopic images of the laser treated skin were taken immediately after laser treatment and on days 1, 2, 5 and 14 (study visits). Dermatoscopic images were analysed to determine ch...