Difficult to Heal Wounds in Aging Population Challenge Healthcare Professionals

With diabetes rates in U.S. continuing to rise and the population aging, new research continues on wound-product technology and materials. The aging population and the growing diabetes epidemic are contributing to increases in wounds and their complexity. Wounds are becoming more complex and patients have multiple symptoms that need to be considered when treating these wounds. New, cutting-edge wound care technology is targeting these challenging wounds in the elderly and diabetics. New products and biotechnological advancements such as Biological dressings, surgical sealants, and synthetic dressings are beginning to revolutionize the wound care market. Wound healing devices, such as oxygen therapies and vacuum-assisted therapies, have also gained popularity with sales rising at an average annual growth rate of 15%.

Here is a brief list of new technology that is expected to bring revolutionary impact in the would-care field:

Nonwoven Fabrics
Nonwoven fabrics are designed to absorb, not adhere. Nonadherent wound pads for surgical dressings have absorption rates of 120 to 320%.
Silver-based wound-care products
Silver has been shown to reduce healing time and to lower the risk of infection. Several products from Johnson & Johnson's Ethicon, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., currently integrate silver in their wound-healing technologies.
Hydrogel-Based Wound Dressings
Antimicrobial gels have been added to hydrogel products for advanced care of moist wounds. , the new gels provide a skin-friendly environment that kills a wide spectrum of species.
Nonwoven Products with Cellulose Esters
Cellulosic materials, in the form of viscose filaments, are used in many nonwoven applications to enhance the breathability or fibre performance of nonwoven materials.

Advancements in wound care are not confined to devices, dressings or molecular technology. Advanced skin care products that help to nourish and strengthen the skin to protect it against breakdown also are becoming more readily available. Knowledge about the importance of nutrition and proper skin care to prevent wounds has expanded exponentially, and it is expected to grow.

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