Wound dressings for a proteolytic-rich environment

Wound dressings have experienced continuous and significant changes over the years based on the knowledge of the biochemical events associated with chronic wounds. The development goes from natural materials used to just cover and conceal the wound to interactive materials that can facilitate the healing process, addressing specific issues in non-healing wounds. These new types of dressings often relate with the proteolytic wound environment and the bacteria load to enhance the healing. Recently, the wound dressing research is focusing on the replacement of synthetic polymers by natural protein materials to delivery bioactive agents to the wounds. This article provides an overview on the novel protein-based wound dressings such as silk fibroin keratin and elastin. The improved properties of these dressings, like the release of antibiotics and growth factors, are discussed. The different types of wounds and the effective parameters of healing process will be reviewed

Dressings/Wound Care for Laser Treatment

Ablative and non-ablative lasers have different effects on the skin. Various postoperative treatments have been used, e.g., topical agents and/or dressings (open vs closed techniques).Additional research is needed to determine the optimal postoperative care after laser procedures

Dressing/Wound Care for Laser Treatment

Laser procedures have become quite commonplace in the field of dermatology. Advancing technology, coupled with better management and prevention of side effects, has resulted in a large increase in laser procedures. As mentioned throughout this text, lasers are an appealing therapy for scars, photo-damage, ritides, and pigmentary disorders. Ablative lasers have been used effectively for years however with concerns of side effects and/or complications. Patient are also often dissuaded by the down-time required after ablative laser procedures. Furthermore, the demand for ablative procedures has decreased with non-ablative techniques dramatically on the rise. The non-ablative however, tend to have diminished efficacy compared to ablative techniques for many indications. With the rapid advances in laser technology there is a need to investigate optimal postoperative regimens so that we may deliver better outcomes and increase patient satisfactions