Table 1.

Characteristics of the ideal dressing

• Capable of maintaining a high humidity at the wound site while removing excess exudate

• Free of particles and toxic wound contaminants

• Non-toxic and non-allergenic

• Capable of protecting the wound from further trauma

• Can be removed without causing trauma to the wound

• Impermeable to bacteria

• Thermally insulating

• Will allow gaseous exchange

• Comfortable and conformable

• Require only infrequent changes

• Cost effective

• Long shelf life