DeScar Trial

What is the problem?

In past conflicts like those in Iraq and Afghanistan, wounded soldiers and civilians were quickly evacuated for medical treatment.  

But it’s likely that future conflicts will take place in unpredictable, shattered landscapes. As explosive weapons like artillery shells and bombs become more common, there will be more widespread destruction. That means that evacuating soldiers and civilians will take longer – and cost lives. 

So it’s important that we find new ways to protect wounds and prevent scarring outside of a hospital setting. 

What are the researchers doing? 

Scientists at the Centre for Conflict Wound Research have developed a special kind of bandage called a ‘Smart Dressing’ that can be used in dangerous settings. 

The dressing is stored dehydrated, which makes it light enough for medics to carry in their first aid kits. When they need to use it, they simply soak it in saline. 

When wet, the dressing acts as a second layer of skin, keeping the wound moist and protecting it from infection. But it’s not just a covering: the bandage also actively encourages healing. When applied, it releases a natural protein called Decorin, which has anti-scarring properties. 

In the lab, Decorin significantly reduced scar formation. But before the bandage can be used on patients, we need to confirm that it works outside the lab too. 

This project is a Phase 1 clinical trial, a type of study designed to check the safety of new products. The researchers are testing the ‘Smart Dressing’ on a small number of burns patients, and looking for any unforeseen side effects. At the same time, they’re also measuring whether the bandage improves healing time and reduces scarring.  

What difference will this research make? 

Although the study is hosted at our Centre for Conflict Wound Research, the application of this new technology goes beyond the warzone. Doctors could apply the dressing to burns patients, or on people undergoing surgery, or use it for a number of other scarring conditions from leg ulcers to drug reactions.