This study is designed to evaluate the effect of using petrolatum to coat gut suture. This coating is commonly performed to make the suture more easy to handle; however, it was unknown if it affects the absorption rate of the suture. Two gut sutures were placed into the skin of 14 healthy volunteers and randomized between coated and uncoated with petrolatum. Participants self-reported the time to resorption. The study concluded that there was no significant effect to the application of petrolatum, and reinforced that the gut sutures are a natural product with some inherent variability to their absorption.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy volunteers within department of Dermatology
• Able to receive care within the host facility (Dept of Defense)

Exclusion Criteria:

• current or planned pregnancy
• Allergy to lidocaine
• Infection on the shoulder site