Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Articles

Hydrogel Wound Dressings: Where Do We Stand in 2003?

Publication Title

Ostomy/Wound Management

Publisher

HMP Communications, LLC

ISSN

0889-5899

Publication Date

10-2003

Keywords

Acrylic Resins, Excipients, Hydrogel, Occlusive Dressings, Polyethylene Glycols, Treatment Outcome, Wound Healing, Wounds and Injuries

Abstract

Among the many categories of advanced wound dressing products available today, hydrogels are popular because they are effective, comfortable, easy to use, and cost effective. With proper use, these agents provide control of wound surface hydration, sometimes absorbing excess exudate and often providing moisture. This review describes the chemistry of hydrogels, the physiology of their interaction with the wound surface, and their role in patient care. Hydrogels have been proven effective in facilitating repair of pressure, diabetic, vascular, burn, and other wounds, and they have supplanted saline-moistened gauze for many applications. Clinical evidence suggests that no particular hydrogel is significantly more efficacious than any other, implying that other factors such as cost and ease of use may guide clinician choice of product within this class of wound dressings.

Volume

49

Issue

10

First Page

52

Last Page

57

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

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