This article is the first in a series that explores the early intervention and treatment of chronic and acute wounds through the Wound Balance concept and use of non-medicated wound dressings (NMWDs), including HydroClean®/HydroClean® Advance and Zetuvit Plus Silicone Border/ RespoSorb® Silicone Border. These dressings work in concert to optimise the wound microenvironment.
Early intervention in wound chronicity involves identifying barriers to healing and implementing the Wound Balance concept to restore a normal healing trajectory. This shift from a chronic to an acute wound healing environment is supported by the action of hydro-responsive wound dressings (HRWDs) such as HydroClean®/HydroClean® Advance.
Chronic, hard-to-heal wounds are a significant global public health concern, placing a burden on patients, healthcare professionals, and healthcare systems. It is estimated that in developed countries, 1–2% of the population is affected by chronic wounds at any given time. These wounds often require frequent healthcare visits and extended periods of hospitalisation, contributing to increased financial strain on patients and healthcare systems.
Additionally, they negatively impact the quality of life of individuals and their families, affecting both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Therefore, it is crucial that these barriers to healing are identified and addressed early to optimise the healing process and avoid long-term chronicity.
HRWDs such as HydroClean®/HydroClean® Advance are SAP containing dressing, designed to regulate wound balance and provide patient-centred wound care by promoting WBP, infection control, moisture balance and enhancing patient comfort. The clinical case studies presented demonstrate the action of these dressings in overcoming critical barriers to healing, supporting antimicrobial stewardship and optimising patient care. The cases have emphasised the effectiveness of HydroClean® in transitioning wounds from being chronic to an acute state, thereby restoring a normal wound healing trajectory to facilitate the next stage of wound healing.
The second paper in this series will further explore cases 1 and 2 and explore the mechanism of action of Zeutivit® Plus Silicone Border, highlighting its role in promoting granulation, preventing hypergranulation, and supporting re-epithelialisation.
Dr Saqer Al-Mualla
Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Head of Plastic Surgery Department; Deputy CEO, Al Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Dr Salma Saeed
Wound Specialist, Hyperbaric Physician, Al Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Dr Noura Salim
Specialist Plastic, Reconstructive Surgery, Wound Specialist; Head of Regenerative Center, Al Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
