Annals of Medical and Surgical Dermatology

ABSTRACT

Background: Vesiculobullous diseases and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are characterized by extensive skin and mucosal erosion. Regular dressing changes are important for facilitating early reepithelization of skin erosion. Traditional dressing materials are expensive and often uncomfortable for patients. Autoclaved banana leaf has been suggested as an alternative dressing material, but there is limited scientific literature on its use in these conditions.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study at a tertiary care hospital in Odisha, India, between January 2018 and April 2019. A total of 48 patient’s medical records with a diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, Bullous pemphigoid, SJS, and TEN, who used autoclaved banana leaf spread on bed and /or as a dressing were analyzed. Among them, only 32 patients did not develop secondary bacterial infections within 72 hours of hospitalization and were included in the study. Patient demographics, skin infections, hospital stay duration, and perceived pain during dressing change were recorded.
Results: Thirty-two patients’ medical records were analyzed. The average age was 37.65 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.5:1. The average hospital stay for vesiculobullous diseases was 26.23 days and 15.20 days for SJS/TEN. Only 11 patients had objective pain assessments before and after the use of autoclaved banana leaf. One patient (3.12%) developed a lung infection and septicemia, which resulted in mortality.
Conclusion: Autoclaved banana leaf spread on bed and/or dressing is a safe and effective dressing material for vesiculobullous diseases and SJS/TEN patients with extensive skin erosions. Its use significantly reduces pain during dressing and the risk of bacterial infection. However, caution is advised in cases of existing infections due to the potential spread of infection to eroded areas of skin through exudates collected on the banana leaf surface. Further research is needed to validate these findings and optimize the use of autoclaved banana leaf in clinical practice.

Article History

KEYWORDS

1. Autoclaved
2. Banana leaf
3. Vesiculobullous disease
4. Bacterial infection
5. Pain