Comparison of the effectiveness of Aloe Vera Gel with 2% Nitrofurazone ointment on the healing of superficial second-degree burns. Randomised clinical trial

Abstract

Background Burn injuries are one of the most common sources of trauma globally that comprise a significant drain on long-term personal and healthcare cost Large surface area burn wounds are difficult to manage and may result in significant physiologic and psychological sequelae . The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Aloe Vera gel with Nitrofurazone ointment in the healing of superficial second-degree burn wounds.Methods The present study was a split body controlled, randomized clinical trial. The sample was recruited from patients with superficial second-degree burn wound who were prescribed to treat with 2% Nitrofurazone ointment. Thirty patients with at least two burn, each burn on an alternate side of the body, entered the study — samples allocated to two groups which received Aloe Vera gel or 2% Nitrofurazone ointment on their burns. Bates-Jensen Wound assessment tool (BWAT) was used to evaluate the healing of burns. The burns were evaluated before, one, two and three weeks after the beginning of treatment.Results The mean ± SD of BWAT scores in Aloe Vera zones were 30.32 ± 3.28, 27.33 ± 3.38, 21.33 ± 3.13, 16.12 ± 2.16 respectively (F(2, 65.07) =440.00, p=0.001). The mean ± SD of BWAT scores in Nitrofurazone ointment zones were 30.51 ± 3.79, 28.45 ± 3.49, 23.36 ± 2.89, 19.23 ± 2.11 (F(1, 52.00) =228.00, p=0.001).Conclusions There is a significant difference in (BWAT) scores between intervention and control groups. Aloe Vera gel was as effective as Nitrofurazone ointment in the treatment of superficial second-degree burns.Trial registration IRCT2014113020151N1. Registered 14 December 2014, https://www.irct.ir/trial/17874