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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-06-25 Origin: Site
Wound healing is a complex, multi-stage biological process. To optimize healing and minimize complications such as infection or scarring, different types of wound dressings are required at each stage. These dressings support the body's natural processes by protecting the wound, managing exudate, and promoting tissue regeneration.
Wound healing is the body’s natural way of repairing damaged skin or tissue. It usually happens in four stages, and different wound dressings are used during each stage to help the healing go faster and prevent infection.
Stage Name | Time Frame | What Happens | Goal of Dressing |
1. Hemostasis | First few minutes | Blood vessels close to stop bleeding | Stop bleeding, protect wound |
2. Inflammation | 1–4 days | White blood cells clean the wound | Prevent infection, absorb fluid |
3. Proliferation | 4–21 days | New tissue and skin begin to grow | Keep wound moist, support new tissue |
4. Maturation | Weeks to months | Tissue strengthens and scar forms | Protect healing skin, reduce scarring |
Each stage has specific biological activities, requiring dressings that match those needs.
2. Wound Dressing Types by Healing Stage
Healing Stage | Dressing Type | Function & Characteristics | Examples | Pictures |
Hemostasis | Hemostatic Dressings | Stops bleeding quickly, promotes clotting | Calcium alginate dressing |  |
Inflammation | Antimicrobial Dressings | Controls infection, absorbs moderate to high exudate, maintains moist environment | Silver dressing |  |
Foam Dressings | Absorbs exudate, cushions wound, allows gas exchange | Foam Dressings |  | |
Proliferation | Hydrocolloid Dressings | Keeps wound moist, supports granulation and epithelialization | Hydrocolloid Dressings |  |
Hydrogel Dressings | Rehydrates dry wounds, promotes cell migration | Hydrogel Dressings |  | |
Alginate Dressings | Absorbs exudate, supports autolytic debridement | Alginate Dressings |  | |
Maturation | Silicone Dressings | Minimizes scar formation, gentle on skin, allows oxygen transfer | Silicone Dressings |  |
Transparent Film Dressings | Protects wound, allows visualization, promotes epithelial migration | Transparent Film Dressings |  |
3. Key Considerations When Selecting a Dressing
· Wound depth & size
· Level of exudate (fluid output)
· Presence of infection
· Skin sensitivity
· Stage of healing
Using the correct dressing at each stage of wound healing is critical for accelerating recovery, preventing infection, and improving cosmetic outcomes. From stopping bleeding to minimizing scarring, there is a specialized dressing for every step in the healing process.
