Wound Dressings

A wound is defined as a discontinuity of the epithelial lining of the skin or mucosa due to physical or thermal damage, which may lead to temporary or permanent dysfunction. All wounds have the potential to heal well. However, various factors can impede the process, especially in patients with multiple comorbidities. Understanding the healing process can build the foundation to assist in selecting an appropriate wound dressing.

There are 3 phases critical in wound healing. The process begins with the inflammatory phase, involving the coagulation cascade leading to clot formation, serving as the scaffold for the new extracellular matrix. Growth factors and additional signaling components are subsequently released. This action prompts the migration of fibroblasts, neutrophils, and macrophages and then transitions to the proliferative phase. During this phase, type III collagen is synthesized but later is replaced by type I collagen during maturation. After a comprehensive assessment of the patient and their wound, the clinician needs to consider many different factors before choosing a wound dressing, which is not limited to its ability to absorb exudate effectively, provide a moist environment, ease of application, duration of treatment, and cost, among other factors.