The Effect of Henna (Lawsonia Inermis) on Preventing the Development of Pressure Ulcer Grade One in Intensive Care Unit Patients

BACKGROUND: Detecting pressure ulcer is an important nursing diagnostic and care requirement in patients hospitalized in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of Lawsonia plant on pressure ulcer grade one in ICU patients. METHODS: In this clinical trial, 72 patients eligible for hospitalization in hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were divided randomly into two control and intervention groups. The standard program of skin care was implemented on both groups; in addition, a mixture of Lawsonia (henna) and distilled water was applied topically in the intervention group. The classification form of the International Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel was used to identify grade one ulcers. Data were collected on the 1(st) day through demographic information questionnaire and Braden pressure ulcer risk assessment scale. An infrared thermometer was used to record local temperature of the ulcers on a daily basis. Assessments were made based on Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH), and the pressure ulcer area was examined per square centimeter on the 1(st), 4(th), and 7(th) days. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16. RESULTS: The average change in the ulcer area per square centimeter in the control group increased by 29.9 ± 37.93 whereas it decreased by 3.54 ± 33.91 in the intervention group. The mean PUSH score decreased in the intervention group (5.36 ± 3.12) while it increased in the control group (1.91 ± 1.53). The average changes of PUSH score before and after the intervention showed a significant difference in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: With regard to the effect of henna on the reduction of ulcer area and the average PUSH score in ICU patients, the application of henna is recommended for healing grade one pressure ulcers.