Microclima de la piel de los talones: ensayo clínico aleatorizado y autocontrolado

Objective: To evaluate the skin microclimate on the heels of patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit, using multi-layer polyurethane foam with silicone compared to transparent polyurethane film. Method: a within-person, parallel, randomized, clinical trial of superiority. Each patient received the experimental intervention (multi-layer polyurethane foam dressing with soft silicone) and the control intervention (transparent polyurethane film dressing), totaling 184 cutaneous sites (92 patients). The study was conducted in a university hospital in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, from July 2017 to March 2018. Results: No statistically significant difference was identified regarding the temperature of the skin of the heels that developed pressure injuries (PIs), as well as of the heels using transparent polyurethane film between the initial and final assessment. Conclusion: The skin microclimate undergoes changes in its values when using dressings for PI prevention.