Comparative Evaluation of Calendula officinalis and Povidone-Iodine in Facial Wound Healing

Introduction and aim: Facial wound healing is an important aspect of postoperative care in oral and maxillofacial surgery, because optimal healing is essential for both functional and esthetic outcomes. Topical agents with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are routinely used to enhance wound healing and to prevent postoperative complications. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of Calendula officinalis tincture and povidone-iodine ointment in the management of facial wounds. This study aimed to compare wound-healing outcomes between the two groups using the Early Wound Healing Score (EHS), evaluate the efficacy of Calendula officinalis tincture in promoting wound healing, assess the efficacy of povidone-iodine ointment in postoperative wound care, compare the incidence of wound infection or dehiscence between the groups, and evaluate patient satisfaction following topical wound management. The primary outcome of this study was the total Early Wound Healing Score (EHS) at day 14, while key secondary outcomes included the clinical signs of inflammation (CSI) score, wound infection rate, and patient satisfaction. Materials and methods: This prospective observational clinical study included 64 participants with facial wounds who required postoperative wound care. Participants were divided into two observational groups based on the topical medication prescribed during routine clinical practice. Group A included 32 participants treated with Calendula officinalis tincture, while group B included 32 participants treated with povidone-iodine ointment. Wound healing was assessed using the Early Wound Healing Score (EHS), which included clinical signs of re-epithelialization, hemostasis, and inflammation at baseline and on days three, seven, and 14. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U test, Friedman test, and chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 31.6 ± 9.4 years in group A and 33.1 ± 10.2 years in group B. Baseline EHS scores were comparable between the groups (p > 0.05). A significant improvement in wound healing was observed in both groups throughout the follow-up period (p < 0.001). However, group A demonstrated significantly higher total EHS scores than group B from day three onwards. At day 14, the mean total EHS was 7.81 ± 0.61 in group A compared to 7.06 ± 0.87 in group B (p = 0.001). Group A also showed significantly better re-epithelialization and lower inflammation scores during follow-up evaluation. Conclusion: Calendula officinalis tincture and povidone-iodine ointment promote satisfactory facial wound healing. However, Calendula officinalis tincture demonstrated superior healing outcomes with improved re-epithelialization and reduced inflammation, suggesting its potential as an effective topical agent for postoperative facial wound management.