Table 3.

Properties of an ideal wound dressing.

Characteristics of Wound Dressing	Importance in Wound Healing	Reference
Providing a moist wound environment	Prevents dehydration and cell death Promotes epidermal migration and angiogenesis Maintains moisture at the wound bed	[189]
Removal of excess exudate	Exudate is essential for the wound healing process, but excess exudate can cause healthy tissue maceration, resulting in a chronic wound.	[190]
Allows gaseous exchange	Oxygenation controls exudate levels and stimulates epithelialization and fibroblasts.	[191]
Prevents infections	Microbial infections delay the wound healing process by prolonging the inflammatory phase and by inhibiting epidermal migration and collagen synthesis.	[192]
Low adherence and painless removal	Removal of adherent dressing can be painful and can cause further damage to granulation tissue.	[193]
Cost-effective	An ideal dressing should assure the wound healing process at a reasonable cost.	[194]