Table 4.

Advantages and disadvantages of major wound dressings.

Wound Dressing Type	Advantages	Disadvantages	Reference
Sponges	high porosity thermal insulation sustain a moist environment absorb wound exudates enhance tissue regeneration	mechanically weak may provoke skin maceration unsuitable for third-degree burn treatment or wounds with dry eschar	[201,202]
Hydrogels	high absorption properties provide a moist environment at the wound site water retention oxygen permeability ensure the solubility of growth factor/antimicrobial agents	weak mechanical properties need for a secondary dressing	[127,135,203]
Hydrocolloids	non-adherent high density painless removal high absorption properties	can be cytotoxic have an unpleasant odor low mechanical stability maintain acidic pH at the wound site	[90,204]
Films	impermeable to bacteria allows the healing process to be monitored painless removal	hard to handle non-absorbent adhere to the wound bed and cause exudate accumulation	[48,188]
Membranes	act as physical barriers membranes simulate extracellular matrix (ECM) structure assure gas exchange, cell proliferation, and nutrient supply	the materials and solvents used in the production process may be harmful	[48,185]
Fibers	non-adherent high porosity and absorption capacity mimic the skin’s extracellular matrix	unsuitable for third-degree, eschar, and dry wounds if the wound is highly exudative, need a secondary dressing	[205,206]