Skin Substitutes

Biological matrices (a layer of lab created tissue) acts as a stable, biodegradable, three-dimensional scaffolding that simulates and replaces the function of damaged extracellular matrix. This promotes the growth of healthy granulation tissue by allowing host and/or seeded cells to attach, migrate, and grow as the wound progresses towards closure.

Biological dressings are temporary coverings that mimic the functions of the skin and maintain a moist environment to protect from trauma, infection, and fluid loss.

Skin substitutes treat or manage chronic and hard-to-heal wounds like:

• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Pressure ulcers
• Venous leg ulcers
• Arterial ulcers
• Post-surgical wounds
• Traumatic wounds

Clinical guidelines deem advanced therapies, such as skin substitutes, to be a suitable adjunct to standard of care (SOC) for hard-to-heal lower extremity wounds and chronic wounds – i.e. wounds that fail to respond to SOC alone and close or reduce in size by approximately 40–50% (depending on wound type) within 4 weeks (International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot [IWGDF], 2023; Vecin and Kirsner, 2023; Tettelbach and Forsyth, 2024). There is a wide range of these products that are available for use in the practice. You and your wound care provider here at Wholistic Wound Care & Wellness will discuss if this can be an option in your plan of care.