Wound dressings can have a profound effect on the repair process and patient quality of life. Topical treatment modalities have been found to influence reepithelialization, granulation tissue formation, the degradation of fibrin and necrotic tissue, the incidence of wound infections, the pH of the wound as well as airborne dispersal of bacteria, pain and cost of care. Clinical studies have shown that, compared to conventional gauze, most moisture-retentive dressings will reduce time to healing, the rate of wound infections, patient pain and the cost of care. However, clinical studies have also revealed differences among some of the moisture-retentive dressings available today. As our knowledge about the effect of wound care interventions continues to expand, treatment decisions should be made based on the results of controlled clinical studies.