Avaliação de um curativo de alginato com gel de babosa em lesões de pele: Estudos de caso

Abstract

Alginate dressings are widely used in acute and chronic wounds with moderate to intense exudate production. They possess hemostatic properties and reduce the risk of infections. Some medicinal plants are recommended for wound treatment and may enhance the effect of alginate dressings. Aloe barbadensis Mill., popularly known as aloe vera, is a plant with anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. The aim of this project was to evaluate an alginate dressing containing aloe vera gel in patients with acute and chronic wounds. The dressing was prepared by impregnating a polyester-viscose fabric with a solution containing a mixture of sodium alginate and aloe vera gel. The alginate-aloe dressing was characterized through assays for moisture content, pH, hydration percentage, release of aloe vera polysaccharides, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, and sterility testing. The effect of the dressing on skin lesions was evaluated through case studies conducted with four elderly patients’ residents of a Long-Stay Institutions for the Elderly (LSIE) São Vicente de Paulo. Sterilized dressings were applied on alternate days for a period of 30 days. The alginate-aloe vera dressings exhibited slightly acidic (pH 5.8), moisture in the range of 17-21%, and hydration percentage of up to 700% within 2 hours. SEM showed a homogeneous distribution of impregnation mixture compounds on the fabric surface. Upon hydration, the dressing released aloe vera gel polysaccharides. Sterility testing confirmed the effectiveness of sterilization through exposure to ultraviolet light. The study with patients with skin lesions showed that the alginate-aloe dressing promoted wound healing, attributed to its exudate absorption capacity with the formation of a hydrogel in the wound bed maintaining moisture, reduction of inflammatory signs (erythema), and decrease in devitalized tissue. The active compounds of aloe vera gel released with dressing hydration may have enhanced the healing effect. The results suggest the design of a controlled clinical study to identify relevant variables and confirm that the addition of aloe vera gel enhances the healing effect of alginate.