Dressings for dermabrasion: occlusive dressings and wound healing.

One of our many roles as dermatologic surgeons is to provide wounds with a biologically favorable environment in which healing can proceed most efficiently. Over the past twenty years research in superficial wound healing has accelerated the introduction of new dressing materials. Various topical agents and occlusive inert dressings, which limit tissue death and maintain hydration, enhance epithelialization. Occlusive dressings will hasten regeneration up to twice that found in air-exposed sites. This characteristic is described in patients who have undergone dermabrasion.