Silicone-based fluid gel versus white paraffin ointment in the treatment of post-fractional ablative CO2 laser wound: an intra-individual split-face comparative study.

BACKGROUND

Optimizing acute wound care after resurfacing lasers is essential for healing, downtime, and cosmetic outcomes. Demand for effective topicals has led to use of various products.

OBJECTIVE

This study compares the efficacy of silicone-based fluid gel versus white paraffin ointment in managing acute post-resurfacing laser wounds.

METHODS

In this intra-individual, split-face study, 15 patients treated for acne scars applied silicone gel to one facial half and white paraffin to the other. Two blinded dermatologists assessed acute reactions using the VISIA Complexion Analysis system. Patient satisfaction was measured with two tools.

RESULTS

The silicone-treated side showed greater erythema, pruritus, scaling, and crusting than the paraffin side, though differences were not statistically significant. VISIA demonstrated significantly worse redness, higher porphyrin levels, and greater textural change on the silicone side (p = 0.04), suggesting increased susceptibility to acneiform eruptions. Patient-reported outcomes and physician global assessments revealed no significant difference in overall aesthetic results between sides.

CONCLUSION

White paraffin ointment provided comparable or superior management of acute post-resurfacing wounds. Silicone-based gel may elevate porphyrins and potentially predispose to acneiform eruptions, warranting further study.