The effects of calcium alginate on wound healing.

A non-woven alginate dressing has been used on experimental, full and partial thickness wound models for periods up to 14 days, to assess its effects on wound healing. Histological evaluation has shown that it is an effective haemostat, generally well tolerated by body tissues. Good epidermal healing was seen on all wounds although cellular reactions could be provoked in full thickness wounds without occlusion, if there was an insufficient volume of wound exudate to completely wet the alginate fibres.