Dressing functions
A degree of wound fluid means that growth factors can stimulate new cell growth and enzymes produced in the inflammatory response can clean up debris and allow the sloughing of dead cells – autolysis and debridement.2
A dry healing environment slows epithelial cell migration, delaying healing time by as much as
30 per cent, while too much moisture results in tissue maceration which can damage surrounding skin that is otherwise healthy.1,2,3
For minor wounds with no underlying disease or infection, the wound will go through the typical inflammatory process and then heal without any complications in a relatively short time. Wounds are more likely to become chronic, taking several weeks or even months to heal, if there is underlying disease, or the inflammatory stage is prolonged. This can result from the wound fluid not supporting cell proliferation.2
In addition to optimising moisture balance, dressings have other functions. They can help prevent water or dirt getting onto the wound, act as a barrier to prevent infection (or transferring from patient to carer), and can help prevent any newly-formed granulation tissue from being damaged.4
Protecting and cushioning the wound, and keeping it moist can mean less discomfort for the patient as the wound heals, and less pain when the dressing is removed or changed.2