A review of wound healing and wound dressing products.

A brief review of the literature concerning the wound healing process is presented. A synopsis of the physical and physiologic factors that can affect the rate of this process is provided. The authors discuss the importance of the wound dressing in maintaining an optimal environment for wound healing. Modern dressings have specific indications and are frequently comprised of more than one layer. The authors define the contact layers as the layer that comes into intimate contact with the wound surface and has the greatest influence on healing. A description of some of the common products used as the contact layer is presented.