Biomaterial Database

Moist wound healing with occlusive dressings. A clinical review. 1995

G A Kannon, and A B Garrett

Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 23298, USA.

BACKGROUND Occlusive dressings have become increasingly popular in the management of wound care. Numerous types of occlusive dressings are presently available for the treatment of acute and chronic wounds. Occlusion enhances wound healing primarily by preventing wound dessication. As a result, epidermal necrosis and eschar formation do not occur, and wounds reepithelialize more quickly. OBJECTIVE Choosing a dressing to meet the specific needs of the patient can often become confusing for the physician. We review the various types of occlusive dressings and their advantages and disadvantages in the practical management of acute and chronic wounds. METHODS A literature review of the subject was performed. RESULTS Occlusive dressings enhance reepithelialization by preventing wound dessication. Lower infection rates are generally achieved despite bacterial proliferation under some occlusive dressings. CONCLUSIONS Occlusive dressings simplify wound care and are an excellent choice in the management of most acute and chronic wounds. This review should enable the clinician to choose the best dressing to meet the individual wound of the patient.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009779	Occlusive Dressings	Material, usually gauze or absorbent cotton, used to cover and protect wounds, to seal them from contact with air or bacteria. (From Dorland, 27th ed)	Bandages, Occlusive,Dressings, Occlusive,Dressings, Spray-On,Bandage, Occlusive,Dressing, Occlusive,Dressing, Spray-On,Dressings, Spray On,Occlusive Bandage,Occlusive Bandages,Occlusive Dressing,Spray-On Dressing,Spray-On Dressings
D002908	Chronic Disease	Diseases which have one or more of the following characteristics: they are permanent, leave residual disability, are caused by nonreversible pathological alteration, require special training of the patient for rehabilitation, or may be expected to require a long period of supervision, observation, or care (Dictionary of Health Services Management, 2d ed). For epidemiological studies chronic disease often includes HEART DISEASES; STROKE; CANCER; and diabetes (DIABETES MELLITUS, TYPE 2).	Chronic Condition,Chronic Illness,Chronically Ill,Chronic Conditions,Chronic Diseases,Chronic Illnesses,Condition, Chronic,Disease, Chronic,Illness, Chronic
D003890	Desiccation	Removal of moisture from a substance (chemical, food, tissue, etc.).	Dessication
D004848	Epithelium	The layers of EPITHELIAL CELLS which cover the inner and outer surfaces of the cutaneous, mucus, and serous tissues and glands of the body.	Mesothelium,Epithelial Tissue,Mesothelial Tissue,Epithelial Tissues,Mesothelial Tissues,Tissue, Epithelial,Tissue, Mesothelial,Tissues, Epithelial,Tissues, Mesothelial
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000208	Acute Disease	Disease having a short and relatively severe course.	Acute Diseases,Disease, Acute,Diseases, Acute
D001672	Biocompatible Materials	Synthetic or natural materials, other than DRUGS, that are used to replace or repair any body TISSUES or bodily function.	Biomaterials,Bioartificial Materials,Hemocompatible Materials,Bioartificial Material,Biocompatible Material,Biomaterial,Hemocompatible Material,Material, Bioartificial,Material, Biocompatible,Material, Hemocompatible
D012867	Skin	The outer covering of the body that protects it from the environment. It is composed of the DERMIS and the EPIDERMIS.
D014867	Water	A clear, odorless, tasteless liquid that is essential for most animal and plant life and is an excellent solvent for many substances. The chemical formula is hydrogen oxide (H2O). (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed)	Hydrogen Oxide
D014945	Wound Healing	Restoration of integrity to traumatized tissue.	Healing, Wound,Healings, Wound,Wound Healings