Current possibilities of wound dressing with regard to pathophysiology of healing

Optimization of chronic wound treatment has been constantly a subject of research. Understanding the physiological healing of wounds, permanent development of new dressing materials and correct observance of antiseptic guidelines have led to new approaches in the care of chronic wounds. The primary objective in treatment and care of chronic wounds is rapid wound closure with a functional and aesthetically acceptable scar. Though primary healing wounds is simple, many problems occur in chronic wounds, especially in the elderly and in patients with associated comorbidities. The wound should be maintained in conditions ensuring physiological healing. The condition of each wound must be properly evaluated; the wound must be carefully cleaned and then treated individually according to the current stage of healing. Many of the formerly used therapeutic procedures are outdated today. At present we have numerous modern materials including bioactive dressings which should be used in treatment of chronic wounds. New findings in molecular and cellular biology have improved our knowledge of the physiological healing of wounds and the approach to wound treatment.