Evaluation of the Quality of Life Induced by the Cinnamon Anti-odor Dressing in Patients With Malodorous Wounds: a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Wounds can smell bad when they are necrotic, infected, malignant or complicated by fistulas or abscesses. The discomfort and evocations (perception) associated with these smells can be different from person to person. Foul odors are often associated with a repulsive effect. Malodorous wounds can have negative social and psychological repercussions (shame, depreciation, isolation).

Malodor is due to the presence of bacteria, whether the wound is colonized or infected. Bacteria release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that emit these odors. There are a multitude of anti-odor treatments (conventional or not) that highlight the difficulty of effectively treating this symptom.

Charcoal dressings are recommended. Charcoal does not treat the etiology, it is not odorous, but it has the ability to adsorb VOCs.

To treat odor, the most prescribed antibiotic is Metronidazole, because its action targets anaerobic bacteria whose presence increases odor. But repeated prescriptions of antibiotics increase the risk of selection pressure, in addition to possible side effects. It's not efficient in all the situations

Another strategy is the application of local antimicrobials. But it is effective only if the bacteria responsible for the odors are on the surface of the wound, which is not the case if it is a tumor mass, thick necrosis or abscesses.