Patent ID: 8690844

Claim:
A re-epithelialization dressing for use with reduced pressure to treat a wound site, the dressing comprising: a moist tissue-interface layer for disposing adjacent to the wound site, the moist tissue-interface layer providing a moisture balance, the moist tissue-interface layer comprising a hydrogel and having a first side and a second, tissue-facing side, wherein the hydrogel has a plurality of apertures, wherein each of the apertures extend between the first side and the second, tissue-facing side of the hydrogel, wherein the apertures of the hydrogel are configured to substantially swell to a restricted position under the influence of increasing moisture, and wherein the second, tissue-facing side of the moist tissue-interface layer is smooth and adapted to substantially preclude micro-strain at the wound site; a manifold member for distributing reduced pressure, the manifold member comprising a reticulated open-cell foam having a first side and a second, tissue-facing side; a sealing member, the sealing member having a first side and a second, tissue-facing side; and wherein the manifold member is disposed between the sealing member and the moist tissue interface layer and wherein the reduced pressure is between about −25 mm Hg and −75 mm Hg and adapted to substantially preclude micro-strain at the wound.