Advanced Wound Dressings Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Alginate Dressings, Hydrogel Dressings, Film Dressings, Foam Dressings, Hydrocolloid Dressings, Antimicrobial Dressings, and Others), By Indication (Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Pressure Ulcers, Surgical Wounds, and Others), By End-user (Hospitals, Clinics, Homecare Settings, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global advanced wound dressings market size was valued at USD 7.45 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 7.83 billion in 2024 to USD 12.11 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Moreover, the U.S. advanced wound dressings market size is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 7.67 billion by 2032, driven by rising prevalence of acute and chronic wounds and higher treatment costs associated with pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and surgical wounds.

The healing of chronic wounds is a complex, dynamic, continuous, and multistep process that requires suitable treatment. Wound dressings play a vital role in the treatment of chronic nonhealing wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers, among others. These dressings are of various types, including semipermeable films and foams, hydrogels, hydrofibers, hydrocolloids, among others. Wound dressings, including film dressings, foam dressings, and others, have demonstrated clinical efficiency in the management of chronic and acute wounds. These dressings have been the pivotal pillars of wound management owing to their comparatively lower cost, efficient exudate management, and improved healing of wounds. Chronic wounds present a substantial financial burden to healthcare systems worldwide, especially in developed countries with a high prevalence of difficult-to-heal wounds.

• For instance, according to the 2023 data published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), it was reported that around 15% to 25% of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus would develop a diabetic foot ulcer during their lifetime.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has been instrumental in the disruption of wound care services offered by healthcare professionals worldwide.  This included postponement of elective and non-urgent wound care procedures, including routine examinations in hospitals and wound clinics. Most of the resources, including beds in wound clinics and hospital departments, were reallocated for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Most of the wound clinics in the U.S. and European countries were closed, and the few that were open were running at reduced capacity. This led to delays in delivering timely care to chronic wound patients. However, major players such as Smith & Nephew, 3M, and others ensured that the supply chain of wound dressings should not be disrupted, and patients face minimal challenges in accessing the products. In addition, during pandemic, healthcare providers shifted to telehealth platforms for virtual assessment of wounds, which reduced the overall impact of COVID-19 on the market. 

Advanced Wound Dressings Market Trends

Preferential Shift to Advanced Wound Management Products from Traditional Products to Support Market Growth

Over the past few years, one of the most prominent trends in the global advanced wound care dressing market has been the shift from traditional to advanced wound management products.

Antimicrobial dressings, alginate dressings, and other innovative wound dressings are gradually becoming more popular due to their clinical effectiveness over the film, foam, and other dressings used in wound care. This has led to a shift away from traditional wound dressings to advanced wound management products.

• According to an article published by Wound Management & Prevention in 2022, the demand for advanced wound care will continue to grow as the population older than 65 years is projected to increase by 25.0% by 2060.

Key players are focusing on research & development initiatives to launch new and novel products with established clinical efficiency to tap the lucrative opportunities.  As a leader in wound care, Smith+Nephew has a strong, robust, and diversified portfolio of antimicrobial dressings, including its ACTICOAT antimicrobial barrier dressing line. Based on its functioning by utilizing nanotechnology, the dressing has demonstrated superiority in wound management, including infection control. Technological advances in wound dressings coupled with a number of patients suffering from chronic wounds have been instrumental in higher demand for these dressings in the global market.

Advanced Wound Dressings Market Growth Factors

Rising Cases of Chronic and Acute Wounds Coupled with Technological Advancements to Drive the Demand for Wound Dressings

There is an increase in the prevalence of chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and venous leg ulcers, this is further expected to drive the number of patients undergoing treatment for chronic wounds among the general population. Furthermore, the increasing patient population for the treatment of chronic wounds is resulting in the growing demand for innovative products among patients globally.

• For instance, according to an article published by the International Wound Journal in 2023, the prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers is 6.3% as per the rare studies investigating its global epidemiology.


• In addition, according to the data published by Frontiers in 2021, it was estimated that the global prevalence of venous leg ulcers (VLU) was around 2.0%. Hence, the increasing prevalence of venous leg ulcers is expected to boost the demand for treatment, resulting in the growing adoption of wound care products.

Furthermore, growing investments in R&D initiatives and the introduction of novel wound healing products with exudate management and infection control among the market players are anticipated to increase the adoption of these products globally for the management of chronic and acute wounds, especially in developed countries.

• For instance, in January 2023, Convatec launched the ConvaFoam in the U.S. It is an advanced foam dressing designed to address the needs of healthcare providers and their patients. It can be used on a spectrum of wound types at any stage of the wound, and it also provides skin protection.

Therefore, the continuous efforts of prominent players to launch new products with innovative and technologically superior features are poised to fuel the market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Cost of Treatment and Longer Duration of Recovery Period Might Restrict the Adoption of Advanced Wound Care Products

The rising prevalence of chronic and acute wounds globally and the increasing demand for effective and advanced wound care management solutions are some of the major factors anticipated to propel the market growth. However, the high treatment cost and longer duration of recovery period are hampering the adoption of advanced wound care products in the market.

• For instance, according to an article published by the Journal of Wound Care in 2023, it was reported that a stage 4 diabetic foot ulcer that is classified according to the Wound, Ischemia, and Foot Infection system could take up to a mean of 190 days to heal. In addition, it was estimated that around 12.0% to 47.0% of VLU patients receiving treatment for over 12 months have a high chance of not being cured.

Moreover, the high cost associated with advanced wound care products, including higher changing frequencies and longer healing times, exert a substantial financial burden on patients and the healthcare systems of developed and emerging countries.

• For instance, according to the data published by Dove Medical Press Limited in January 2022, it was estimated that for over 12 months, the cost of treating a foot ulcer in the U.K. varies from USD 2,407.7 for healed ulcers and USD 9,900.9 for unhealed ulcers. It was also observed that the price increases with the ulcer severity because the time needed to heal is longer, and the complications are also higher in the more severe cases.

Thus, the factors above, coupled with the extended duration of the recovery period and lack of reimbursement policies, especially in developing countries, are further limiting the adoption of chronic wound care products and are, subsequently, restricting market growth.

Advanced Wound Dressings Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Type Analysis

Antimicrobial Dressings Segment Dominated Owing to Increasing Product Launches

By product type, the market for advanced wound dressings is divided into alginate dressings, hydrogel dressings, film dressings, hydrocolloid dressings, antimicrobial dressings, foam dressings, and others.

The antimicrobial dressings segment accounted for the highest market share in 2023 and is projected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. Antimicrobial dressings work by providing an effective barrier against bacteria and contaminants and also reduce infection risk. The increasing benefits of antimicrobial dressings are further supporting the growing number of research and development activities to launch innovative advanced wound dressings in the market.

• For instance, in November 2022, Covalon Technologies Ltd., an advanced medical technologies company, launched SurgiClear, an antimicrobial dressing, with an aim to strengthen its advanced dressings portfolio.

On the other hand, the foam dressings segment is also expected to grow during the forecast period. The growth is due to the increasing prevalence of chronic and acute wound care products resulting in growing demand for new and novel products among patients. This, along with the growing focus of key market players on launching new products, is likely to support the segmental growth in the market.

• In April 2024, Smith+Nephew announced a study to support the ALLEVYN LIFE Foam Dressing to strengthen its presence globally in the advanced wound management segment.

Similarly, hydrocolloid dressings, hydrogel dressings, alginate dressings, film dressings, and others held a substantial share in the global market in 2023, attributed to rising wound and trauma cases and reimbursement facilities for these products.

By Indication Analysis

Diabetic Foot Ulcers Segment Dominated Due to Growing Prevalence of Diabetes

Based on indication, the market for advanced wound dressings is segregated into surgical wounds, pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and others.

The diabetic foot ulcers segment accounted for the highest market share in 2023. The segment's growth is attributable to the rising prevalence of diabetes and diabetic foot ulcers globally, resulting in the growing number of patient admissions for chronic wounds globally. The increasing number of patient admissions is further resulting in growing demand for advanced wound dressings among patients, thereby contributing to the growth of the segment.

• For instance, according to the data published by Elsevier B.V. in February 2022, it was reported that the global prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers is around 6.3%. In addition, according to the data published by the NDSS, it was estimated that diabetes foot disease costs Australia’s healthcare system around USD 642.0 million annually.


• Furthermore, the NHS reported spending around USD 11.4 billion on managing wounds every year in the U.K. Thus, a higher prevalence of DFUs coupled with an increasing demand for early diagnosis presents a large patient pool requiring treatment. This, along with the growing number of novel products introduced for DFU treatment, drives the segment's growth.

The pressure ulcers segment held a substantial portion of the market share in 2023. This is attributed to the increasing prevalence of pressure ulcers, resulting in the growing demand for orthokeratology lenses among patients.

Similarly, the surgical wounds segment held a considerable share in 2023 due to rising surgical procedures and the demand for products in the market.

By End User Analysis

Hospitals Segment Led Due to Greater Prevalence of Hard-to-heal Ulcers in Developed Nations

On the basis of end-user, the advanced wound dressings market segments include hospitals, clinics, homecare settings, and others.

The higher prevalence of hard-to-heal ulcers in developed countries, along with adequate reimbursement provided at hospital inpatient settings for wound care products, are some of the primary reasons attributed to the higher share of hospitals in 2023. In addition, the higher number of surgical procedures performed in hospitals is leading to a higher incidence of surgical wounds, and longer hospital inpatient stays are leading to a greater incidence of pressure ulcers among patients. This is leading to higher demand for wound dressings from hospital settings in the global market.

• For instance, in May 2020, Integra LifeSciences Holding Corporation announced positive clinical and economic data on Integra Bilayer Wound Matrix (IBWM) in the complex lower extremity reconstruction. This product is part of Integra’s broader regenerative technology portfolio of collagen and amniotic products for clinicians in the operating room to help address the epidemic of approximately 8.2 million wounds, with an estimated cost to U.S. Medicare of up to USD 98.6 billion annually.

However, the emergence of specialized wound clinics, especially in the U.S. and Europe, and adequate reimbursements provided by these settings are leading to a higher number of patients being treated for chronic wounds in these settings. In addition, the shift toward homecare settings, especially during the pandemic outbreak and the emergence of telehealth programs for wound care, is projected to drive the demand for advanced wound dressings from homecare settings during the forecast period. 

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Based on region, the market for advanced wound dressings is segmented into North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The market size in North America was USD 3.00 billion in 2023. The dominance is due to the growing prevalence of chronic wounds and rising awareness of advanced dressing products. Similarly, the growing initiatives by prominent market players to launch advanced products are expected to propel regional growth.

• For instance, in March 2024, Integra LifeSciences Corporation launched MicroMatrix Flex to provide convenient access to hard-to-reach areas in complex cases, with an aim to expand its product offerings.

In addition, the Asia Pacific is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is due to the increasing prevalence of chronic wounds, resulting in a rising number of key players focusing on expanding their geographical presence with an aim to strengthen their global presence in the market.

On the other hand, Europe is also expected to grow with a considerable growth rate during the forecast period. The regional growth is due to growing awareness and further demand for these products among the patient population, resulting in the growing adoption of these products in the market.

Entry of global players in the lucrative markets in Latin America and the Middle East and the introduction of new products in these regions are projected to drive global advanced wound dressings market growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focusing on R&D to Introduce New Products in the Market

This is a semi-consolidated market, with many regional and global players operating in the space. Smith+Nephew dominated the global advanced wound dressings market share in 2023. The rising focus of the company on acquisitions and collaborations with the major players and organizations with an aim to strengthen their advanced wound care segment is supporting the increasing share of the company.

On the other hand, the growing focus on research and development activities to launch advanced wound dressings, such as antimicrobial dressings, foam dressings, among others, is likely to support the growing company’s market share in the market.

• In April 2024, Smith+Nephew announced a recent study to support the ALLEVYN LIFE Foam Dressing with an aim to strengthen its presence in the advanced wound management segment globally.

Moreover, Integra LifeSciences Corporation and other players are focusing on the integration of novel technology into the products, which is likely to increase the brand presence of these companies in the market.

• In July 2021, Integra LifeSciences Corporation received an innovative technology contract, SurgiMend Collagen Matrix, from Vizient, Inc., with a view to repairing and regenerating soft tissue successfully.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Smith & Nephew (U.K.)


• 3M (U.S.)


• Coloplast A/S (Denmark)


• ConvaTec Inc. (U.K.)


• Plastod S.p.A. (Italy)


• Integra LifeSciences Corporation (U.S.)


• Mölnlycke Health Care AB (Sweden)


• Medline Industries, LP (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• January 2024 – Medline Industries, LP launched its first transparent wound dressing for pressure injury prevention with an aim to widen its product offerings.


• January 2024 – Coloplast A/S launched the Biatain Silicone Fit for pressure injury prevention and wound management with an aim to expand its product offerings in the U.S.


• October 2023 –  Medline Industries, LP opened a 1.2 million square feet distribution center in Mebane, North Carolina, to supply medical products across the southeast region of the U.S.


• September 2023 –  Coloplast A/S acquired Kerecis, a company in the biologics wound care segment, with an aim to expand its product offerings for wound care products.


• April 2023 – Convatec Inc., acquired innovative anti-infective nitric oxide technology platform from 30 Technology Limited with an aim to utilize the technology to launch advanced wound care products.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global advanced wound dressings market report provides the market size and growth rate of leading regions across the world, with an aim to offer a better understanding of the market to the user. Furthermore, the report provides insights into the latest industry trends and analyzes technologies that are being deployed at a rapid pace at a global level. It further highlights some of the growth-stimulating factors and restraints, helping the reader to gain in-depth knowledge about the market.

Report Scope & Segmentation

ATTRIBUTE	DETAILS
Study Period	2019-2032
Base Year	2023
Estimated Year	2024
Forecast Period	2024-2032
Historical Period	2019-2022
Growth Rate	CAGR of 5.6% from 2024-2032
Unit	Value (USD billion)
Segmentation	By Product Type Alginate Dressings Hydrogel Dressings Film Dressings Hydrocolloid Dressings Antimicrobial Dressings Foam Dressings Others
By Indication Diabetic Foot Ulcers Pressure Ulcers Surgical Wounds Others
By End-User Hospitals Clinics Homecare Settings Others
By Region North America (By Product Type, By Indication, By End-User, and By Country) U.S. Canada Europe (By Product Type, By Indication, By End-User, and By Country/Sub-region) U.K. Germany France Italy Spain Scandinavia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific (By Product Type, By Indication, By End-User, and By Country/Sub-region) China Japan India Australia Southeast Asia Rest of the Asia Pacific Latin America (By Product Type, By Indication, By End-User, and By Country/Sub-region) Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa (By Product Type, By Indication, By End-User, and By Country/Sub-region) GCC South Africa Rest of the Middle East & Africa