Foam Dressings for Wound Healing

AbstractPurpose of ReviewChronic, non-healing wounds affect millions of people globally and demand significant healthcare spending. One of the most important aspects of wound care is the appropriate selection and placement of a wound dressing. One of the key roles of a wound dressing is the optimization of a moist wound environment for healing. A moist wound environment facilitates wound healing by encouraging interaction of growth factors with their targets, epithelialization, angiogenesis, and autolytic debridement of dead tissue. However, while some chronic wounds are highly exudative and require absorptive dressings in order to minimize maceration, other wounds are drier and require more occlusive dressings with the capability of preserving moisture.  Given the compelling global demand for wound care, foam dressings have been continuously innovated over the past several decades. Some foam dressings are manufactured to be highly adherent, while others are manufactured with minimal adherence in order to preserve peri-wound skin during dressing ch anges. Foam dressings are also manufactured within a spectrum of absorptivity and pliability. As such, foam dressings are applicable in a variety of clinical settings. Pressure injuries/ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and venous ulcers are a few examples of chronic wounds that have demonstrated clinic al improvement with the utilization of foam dressings.Recent FindingsGiven the compelling global demand for wound care, foam dressing...

Source: Current Dermatology Reports - February 13, 2024 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research