Assessment of Wound Care Products at Major Retailers in Accordance with the American Academy of Dermatology’s Recommendations
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Keywords
wound care, american academy of dermatology, wound care products
Abstract
Background: Proper wound care is important for improving healing outcomes and minimizing long-term effects of scar formation. Selection of appropriate care may be challenging for individuals due to overabundance of product selection, and conflicting evidence on common wound care products, which may pose a risk for delayed wound healing.
Objective: We aimed to assess whether wound care products sold by major retailers, specifically Walmart, Walgreens, and Target, align with the recommendations on patient support information websites provided by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Methods: A unique search inquiry was established for each major retailer, and analysis of their first aid wound care sections was performed.
Results: 393 Walgreens, 334 Walmart, and 285 Target products were included. 0% of wound cleansing products available were recommended by the academy. Petroleum-based products were represented in 61% in Walgreens, 76.2% in Walmart, and 78.4% in Target products assessed. In total, 61.6% of products in Walgreens, 57% in Walmart, and 52.7% in Target were consistent with AAD recommendations for providing appropriate wound coverage.
Conclusion: Many products sold in retailers are not recommended in managing acute minor wounds; appropriate counseling from the AAD may provide insight to optimizing wound care and scar minimization.
References
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