Wound Dressings: Selecting the Most Appropriate Type

Abstract

Appropriate wound dressing selection is guided by an understanding of wound dressing properties and an ability to match the level of drainage and depth of a wound. Wounds should be assessed for necrosis and infection, which need to be addressed prior to selecting an ideal dressing. Moisture-retentive dressings include films, hydrogels, hydrocolloids, foams, alginates, and hydrofibers and are useful in a variety of clinical settings. Antimicrobial-impregnated dressings can be useful in wounds that are superficially infected or are at higher risk for infection. For refractory wounds that need more growth stimulation, tissue-engineered dressings have become a viable option in the past few decades, especially those that have been approved for burns, venous ulcers, and diabetic ulcers. As wounds heal, the ideal dressing type may change, depending on the amount of exudate and depth of the wound; thus success in wound dressing selection hinges on recognition of the changing healing environment.

Evaluation of genipin-crosslinked chitosan hydrogels as a potential carrier for silver sulfadiazine nanocrystals

“…Several reviews had summarized and analyzed the merits of polymer hydrogels applied for wound care [18][19][20][21]. In our previous work CHI hydrogels were prepared by using natural genipin as crosslinking agent.…”

Improved burn wound healing by the antimicrobial peptide LLKKK18 released from conjugates with dextrin embedded in a carbopol gel

“…In particular, antimicrobial agents like silver sulfadiazine, iodine or medical grade honey have been incorporated into dressings as a way of keeping the wounds safe from infections. However, many studies have shown that treatment with these agents alone is not sufficient to achieve complete wound healing and in some cases, toxicity problems can ensue [9].…”

Electrospinning of natural polymers for advanced wound care: towards responsive and adaptive dressings

“…17 On the other hand, traditional bandages can be used as secondary dressings (as cover of primary ones) in combination with moistureretentive and antibacterial-impregnated systems. 21 Moisture-retentive dressings include films, hydrogels, hydrocolloids and foams. Semi-permeable and transparent films are typically indicated for superficial and lightly exudative wounds, and first-degree burns.…”