Moist wound healing is a relatively new concept in wound care, but it has quickly become the standard of practice. In the past, it was common to let wounds dry out and form scabs. However, research has shown that moist wounds heal faster and with less scarring than dry wounds.

MOIST WOUND HEALING

Moist wound healing is the process of keeping a wound moist throughout the healing process. This is done by using dressings that create a moist environment. Moist wound healing dressings can be made from a variety of materials, such as hydrogels, hydrocolloids, and alginates.

This approach has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its numerous advantages:

1. Enhanced healing: Moist environments have been found to accelerate the wound healing process. They facilitate cell migration, proliferation, and the formation of granulation tissue, resulting in faster healing.
2. Reduced pain: Moist wound healing is generally less painful for patients because it minimises the formation of hard scabs, which can pull on surrounding tissue as they dry out.
3. Lower risk of infection: Maintaining moisture in the wound can help prevent bacterial growth, as bacteria typically thrive in dry environments.
4. Minimised scarring: Moist wound healing promotes the formation of new tissue that closely resembles the surrounding skin, leading to better cosmetic outcomes.

DRY WOUND HEALING

Dry wound healing is the process of allowing a wound to heal without any dressing or other covering. This type of wound healing is not recommended because it is slower and more painful than moist wound healing. Dry wound healing also increases the risk of infection and scarring.

WHEN TO USE MOIST WOUND HEALING

Moist wound healing can be used for a variety of wounds, including:

• Acute wounds, such as cuts, scrapes, and burns
• Chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers and pressure sores
• Surgical wounds

HOW TO PROMOTE MOIST WOUND HEALING

Pharmacists can play an important role in promoting moist wound healing by educating patients about the benefits of moist wound healing and by recommending appropriate dressings. When recommending a dressing, consider the following factors:

• The type of wound
• The amount of drainage from the wound
• The patient's activity level
• The patient's budget

Pharmacists should also teach their patients how to change their dressings properly and how to assess their wounds for signs of infection.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR PHARMACISTS

• Assess the patient's wound to determine the best type of dressing to use.
• Educate the patient on how to change their dressing properly and how to assess their wound for signs of infection.
• Follow up with the patient to ensure that their wound is healing properly.
• Refer patients to a healthcare professional if they have any concerns about their wound.

REFERENCES:

• Winter GD. Formation of the scab and the rate of epithelialization of superficial wounds in the skin of the young domestic pig. Nature. 1962;193(4820):293-294. Available from: https://www.nature.com/articles/193293a0
• Junker JP, Kamel RA, Caterson EJ, Eriksson E. Clinical Impact Upon Wound Healing and Inflammation in Moist, Wet, and Dry Environments. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2013 Sep;2(7):348-356. doi: 10.1089/wound.2012.0412. PMID: 24587972; PMCID: PMC3842869. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3842869/
• Singer AJ, Clark RA. Cutaneous wound healing. N Engl J Med. 1999;341(10):738-746. Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJM199909023411006?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed
• Singh MR, Saraf S, Vyas A, Jain V. Innovative approaches in wound healing: trajectory and advances. Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine, and Biotechnology Journal. 2013;40(3). Available from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/21691401.2012.716065
• Ruben B. Clearing The Air About Moist Vs. Dry Wound Healing. Wound Source. 8 October 2014. Available from: https://www.woundsource.com/blog/clearing-air-about-moist-vs-dry-wound-healing
• Wigger-Alberti W, Kuhlmann M, Ekanayake S, Wilhelm D. Using a novel wound model to investigate the healing properties of products for superficial wounds. J Wound Care. 2009 Mar;18(3):123-28, 131. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2009.18.3.39813. PMID: 19247233. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19247233/
• Effective wound care: the benefits of moist wound healing. Hansaplast. Available from: https://int.hansaplast.com/articles/health-and-protection/moist-wound-healing
• 4 Reasons for Moist Wound Healing. Elastoplast. Available from: https://www.elastoplast.com.au/first-aid/wound-care/moist-wound-healing