Moist wound healing with occlusive dressings: A clinical focus

The concept of moist wound healing, which is facilitated by the application of occlusive dressings, dates back to 1615 BC, and the technique is curren tly supported by a relatively large volume of data. It is clear that occlus ive dressings are in many cases associated with more rapid reepithelializat ion, a reduced risk of infection, and more rapid wound healing than the alt ernatives. Nevertheless, many clinicians have been slow to accept this ther apeutic technique. This article traces the history of moist wound healing f rom its earliest inception, examines the theoretical mechanisms of its effe ct, and explores its advantages and disadvantages. It also reviews the lite rature supporting the use of occlusive dressings in a variety of wound sett ings and examines the possible reasons behind the apparent reluctance on th e part of the medical community to accept a potentially valuable therapy.