Hydrogel or ointment? Comparison of five different galenics regarding tissue breathability and transepidermal water loss

PURPOSE: Five different galenics were analyzed and compared concerning tissue breathability and gas exchange with the environment after an application period of 6 h on pig ear skin. Aim was to find the most suitable galenics for efficient moist treatment for everyday injuries (abrasions, lacerations and cuts) without influencing the transepidermal water loss. METHODS: A quantity of 0.1 g of the different test preparations was applied once topically to an area of 2 cm(2). The analysis of the breathability was performed by TEWL (transepidermal water loss) measurements in the first hour after product application. The moisture retention effect was assessed by corneometry in the first 5 h after product application. RESULTS: The hydrogel preparations showed a higher breathability in contrast to a semi-occlusive ointment and petrolatum. The same applies to the moisture penetration of the skin. Here, all hydrogel formulations showed the highest tissue hydration. After 3 h an additional increase in moisture was observed for the areas treated with Tyrosur® CareExpert Wound Gel and the ointment. CONCLUSION: In contrast to petrolatum and the semi-occlusive ointment, treatment with the hydrogels led to a preservation of the breathability and good moistening of the tissue, which is due to the galenics of the gels consisting of water, carbomer and propylene glycol. The increase in moisture after 3 h in areas treated with Tyrosur® CareExpert Wound Gel and the semi-occlusive ointment indicates a sustained moisturizing effect mediated by dexpanthenol.