Systematic review of wound dressings: a movement from the past to the present

Abstract

This systematic review aims at investigating different wound dressings commonly used for the healing process and skin repair. Five databases, namely SCOPUS, Web of Science, Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, up to 2020, were scanned for papers specific to the topic of concern. The blinded randomized controlled trials, in vivo and in vitro studies comparing common wound dressings, including traditional, natural/biological, and artificial ones were studied in the present review. Finally, the researchers selected 22 studies. From which the data related to the clinical features of wound dressings and their advantages and disadvantages) were derived. The review of literature suggests that many treatment combinations are utilized as wound dressings based on the wound type and hospital guidelines. Nevertheless, there are conflicting views about the most appropriate choice. The findings of the reviewed articles indicate that hydrogels are the most common wound dressing used for wounds and burns due to high thermal/mechanical stability and low water evaporation. However, it is suggested to apply hybrid hydrogel membranes to overcome the low mechanical strength of a single component.