[The modern approach to dressing wounds]

The author evaluates from the pathophysiological aspect the impact of various dressings applied to wounds with regard to the permeability of secretions, gases, maintenance of a stable temperature and preservation of an optimum pH as well as with regard to preventing penetration of toxic substances, bacteria and foreign bodies. The author also pays attention to the important condition of non-adhesiveness of the dressing to the surface of the healing wound. From this aspect he evaluates cotton, paraffin, hydrocolloid, porous and silicon dressings. Based on the study of extensive literature and his own experiments, the author reaches the conclusion that it is essential to provide optimal mechanical and thermal protection of the wound and that for every type and stage of wound healing an appropriate dressing must be selected.