Dressings and Their Effects on Wound Healing

Abstract

Over the past several decades, basic research has provided important information about the processes involved in wound healing. No longer is dry wound healing acceptable because it results in wound bed desiccation, which increases the wound depth and wound healing time. To preclude these events, occlusive dressings have become standard. An occlusive dressing not only protects the wound from outside trauma and prevents wound desiccation but also continuously keeps the locally produced growth factors in contact with the wound base to maximize their stimulatory effects on keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and blood vessels. An occlusive dressing minimizes the amount of wound care often required and reduces discomfort. The many benefits of occlusive wound dressings have led to the development of several new surgical dressings that speed wound healing and improve the final scar appearance. Occlusive or semi-occlusive dressings have demonstrated proven value in dermatologic surgery by reducing postoperative pain, speeding wound healing, and improving the final cosmetic result.