Surgical Dressings and Novel Skin Substitutes

Abstract

Dressings are integrally tied to wound outcomes in dermatologic surgery. Due to the wide range of wound types and dressing options available, dressing selection can be a formidable task. An understanding of dressing materials and their unique properties allows for a tailored approach to postoperative wound care. Conventional layered dressings often are suitable for uncomplicated dermatologic surgery wounds. Occlusive dressings and tissue-engineered skin substitutes may be warranted in more complex cases. This review is intended to equip the reader with the knowledge and confidence to successfully manage surgical wounds in dermatology.

Keywords: Dermatology; Dressings; Mohs surgery; Second intention; Skin cancer; Skin substitutes; Surgical wounds; Wound care.