Wet-to-Dry Dressings Do Not Provide Moist Wound Healing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if using advanced wound care dressings leads to improved outcomes as compared to wet-to-dry dressings. Based on a review of literature published in the last eight years, with the exception of one landmark article published in 2001, strong support was found that advanced wound care dressings improved outcomes when compared to wet-to-dry dressings. Some of the outcomes compared were healing time, pain, infection rates, and costs; several articles took it a step further stating that the use of wet-to-dry dressings is considered sub-standard practice. The articles provided evidence-based support for the use of moist wound healing.