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Updated: Dec 21, 2025
A Mouse Fetal Skin Model of Scarless Wound Repair
Published on: January 16, 2015
Wound Healing and Wound Care in Neonates: Current Therapies and Novel Options
Insights
Neonatal wound care requires specialized knowledge due to unique physiology. This review details effective therapies and contraindications for neonates, guiding clinicians and researchers toward better treatments for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology and wound healing.
- Pediatric dermatology and wound management.
Background:
- Neonatal wound healing presents unique challenges compared to other age groups.
- Current wound care practices for neonates often lack specific testing and validation.
- This review addresses the knowledge gap in neonatal wound management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide evidence-based wound care information tailored to the specific physiology of neonates.
- To differentiate the appropriate use of various wound dressings and therapies in the neonatal population.
- To identify contraindications and concerns associated with specific wound care modalities in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, journals, and textbooks.
- Inclusion criteria focused on studies comparing neonatal wound healing to other age groups.
- Data extraction prioritized therapies with proven effectiveness or specific concerns in neonates.
Main Results:
- Many wound care therapies safe for older individuals have not been tested in neonates.
- Specific wound healing therapies demonstrate proven effectiveness or pose unique risks in neonates.
- Hydrocolloids, hydrogels, foam dressings, and barrier creams have distinct applications in neonatal wound care.
Conclusions:
- Current standards of care for neonatal wound healing have both advantages and disadvantages.
- There is a need for treatments specifically developed and tested for the delicate neonatal population.
- This review aims to guide clinicians and researchers in optimizing neonatal wound management.
General Purpose:
To provide wound care information that considers the specific physiology of neonates.
Target Audience:
This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.
Learning Objectives/Outcomes:
After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Differentiate the use of hydrocolloids, hydrogels, foam dressings, and barrier creams in the neonatal population.2. Identify issues related to the use of solvents, alginates, collagen dressings, and negative-pressure wound therapy in neonates.
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo discuss what is known about the wound milieu in premature and full-term neonates, including the unique challenges pediatric clinicians face, the therapies that have proven effective, and the therapies contraindicated for use in neonatal wound healing to guide treatment that accounts for the specific physiological characteristics of this often overlooked population.
Data Sources:
Data were collected on neonatal wound healing from a wide variety of sources, including PubMed, Google Scholar, journals, and textbooks.
Study Selection:
Selection criteria included publications focused on the differences and nuances of wound healing in neonates in comparison with all other age groups.
Data Extraction:
Data were extracted based on articles covering wound healing therapies with proven effectiveness in neonates. Terms for neonatal wound care were compiled, and then a comprehensive literature search was performed by the authors.
Data Synthesis:
Although many therapies are safe for treatment of older children and adolescents, most have not been explicitly tested for neonatal use. This article reviews therapies with proven effectiveness and/or specific concerns in the neonatal population.
Conclusion:
This review sheds light on the advantages and disadvantages of current standards of care regarding wound healing for neonates to direct researchers and clinicians toward developing treatments specifically for this delicate population.
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