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Review
. 2021 Sep;30(9):1218-1232.
doi: 10.1111/exd.14396. Epub 2021 Jun 7.

Wound healing applications of creams and "smart" hydrogels

Diana Stan  1   2 , Cristiana Tanase  2   3 , Marioara Avram  1 , Roxana Apetrei  1 , Nicolae-Bogdan Mincu  1 , Andreea Lorena Mateescu  1 , Dana Stan  1
Affiliations
Review

Wound healing applications of creams and "smart" hydrogels

Diana Stan et al. Exp Dermatol. 2021 Sep.

Abstract

Although superficial wounds are often easy to treat for healthy individuals, there are some more severe types of wounds (burns, ulcers, diabetic wounds, etc.) that are a challenge for clinicians. A good therapeutic result is based on the delivery of a treatment at the right time, for the right patient. Our goal was to sum up useful knowledge regarding wound healing and wound treatments, based on creams and hydrogels with various active ingredients. We concluded that both preparations have application in preventing infections and promoting healing, but their efficacy is clearly conditioned by the type, depth, severity of the wound and patient profile. However, due to their superior versatility and capability of maintaining the integrity and functionality of the active ingredient, as well as it is controlled release at site, hydrogels are more suited for incorporating different active ingredients. New wound healing devices can combine smart hydrogel dressings with physical therapies to deliver a more efficient treatment to patients if the indications are appropriate.

Keywords: creams; smart hydrogels; wound classification; wound dressing; wound healing.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Basic anatomy of skin
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Skin functions. The barrier function is one of the most important functions of the skin, because it maintains the body's homeostasis and protects against pathogens, chemicals, radiation and mechanical damage
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Indicators used for wound assessment during clinical evaluation
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Specific properties of creams (right) and hydrogels (left) that can be both beneficial and detrimental, depending on the wound type
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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