deep wounds with exposed bone. It also requires secondary dressing because wounds can quickly dry up with alginate dressing. Hydrofiber dressing: Made up of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydrofibers can absorb high amounts of wound discharge, forming a gel and preventing skin maceration. Bioactive products Advancements in understanding of wounds have commanded biomedical innovations in the treatment of acute, chronic, and other types of wounds. Many biologics, skin substitutes, biomembranes and scaffolds have been developed to facilitate wound healing through various mechanisms. Usage of dressings Applying a dressing is a first aid skill, although many people undertake the practice with no training – especially on minor wounds. Modern dressings will almost all come in a prepackaged sterile wrapping, date coded to ensure sterility. Sterility is necessary to prevent infection from pathogens resident within the dressing. Historically, and still the case in many less developed areas and in an emergency, dressings are often improvised as needed. This can consist of anything, including clothing or spare material, which will fulfill some of the basic tenets of a dressing – usually stemming bleeding and absorbing exudate. Applying and changing dressings is one common task of medical personnel. See also Hydrocolloid dressing Hydrogel dressing Field dressing (bandage) Nano-oligosaccharide factor (NOSF) References