An introduction to wound healing and dressings

Abstract

The cost of managing patients with chronic wounds is rising and accounts for 3% of the total NHS budget. Despite significant advances in wound management over the last 35 years there remains little evidence of standardised practices across the country. The management of wounds is continually viewed as a challenging and costly area of practice. The challenges arise from the increasing complexity of acute and chronic wounds, which are affected by patients multiple comorbidities, resistant bacteria and an aging population. There is also a plethora of dressings available in the market place today which despite providing a wide choice can be confusing and costly if inappropriately used. This article will explore the principles of wound healing, highlighting key factors that can impact on outcomes. The main types of wound dressings will also be discussed.