Quick To Know | Wet Healing: A New Concept in Wound Care

I. Definition and Importance of Wet Healing

Wet healing is an advanced wound care method that promotes wound healing by maintaining a moderately moist environment at the wound site. Compared to traditional dry healing, wet healing provides a healing environment closer to physiological conditions, accelerating the wound repair process.

II. Physiological Basis of Wet Healing

The physiological basis of wet healing lies in the fact that a moderately moist environment promotes the release of various growth factors, accelerates cell migration, and reduces the risk of wound infection. In addition, a moist environment also helps to reduce pain and improve patient comfort.

III. Steps for Wet Healing

1. Clean the Wound: Rinse the wound with saline solution to remove foreign objects and bacteria.
2. Disinfection: Use appropriate disinfectants for disinfection when there is a risk of infection.
3. Apply Ointment: Choose the appropriate antibiotic or oily ointment, such as erythromycin ointment or Vaseline, and apply a thin layer to the wound.
4. Dressing Selection: Choose the appropriate dressing based on the type and stage of the wound, such as using highly absorbent wound dressings in the early stage and hydrocolloid dressings in the later stage.
5. Dressing Change: Regularly change the dressing, observe the healing of the wound, and clean the exudate in time.

IV. Advantages of Wet Healing

1. Accelerate Healing: A moderately moist environment speeds up the formation of epithelial cells and the growth of granulation tissue.
2. Reduce Pain: Avoids pain caused by dressing adhesion during dressing changes.
3. Reduce Infection Risk: Moist dressings provide a protective barrier, reducing bacterial invasion.
4. Improve Patient Comfort: The moist environment reduces wound dryness and scab formation, improving patient comfort.

V. Limitations of Wet Healing

Although wet healing has many advantages, in some cases, such as extensive burns or certain types of chronic wounds, special dressings, and management methods may be required.

VI. Comparison between Wet and Dry Healing

Dry healing relies on the dryness of the wound and the action of atmospheric oxygen, while wet healing emphasizes that wound healing is more effective in a moderately moist environment. Studies have shown that wet healing can significantly reduce healing time and the patient's pain.

VII. Conclusion

Wet healing is an effective wound care method that can significantly improve the quality and speed of wound healing. Medical professionals should choose the appropriate dressing and care strategy according to the specific conditions of the wound and the needs of the patient.