Evidence supporting the use of: Type A polymers
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Type A polymers, particularly those used in wound care products such as hydrogels or bioadhesive dressings, have a substantiated scientific basis for their use in supporting or treating scratches and abrasions. These polymers are valued for their ability to form protective barriers over the wound site, maintain a moist healing environment, and sometimes deliver active ingredients that can further aid the healing process. Scientific studies have demonstrated that maintaining moisture at the wound site accelerates re-epithelialization and reduces the risk of infection, both critical factors in the healing of minor skin injuries like scratches and abrasions. Type A polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, or cross-linked hydrogels, are frequently employed in commercial wound dressings and topical formulations.
Clinical research supports the efficacy of these polymer-based dressings in reducing healing time, providing pain relief, and minimizing scarring compared to traditional dry dressings. For example, hydrogel dressings (a common Type A polymer application) have been shown in randomized controlled trials to promote faster healing of superficial abrasions and decrease discomfort by keeping nerve endings moist. Regulatory bodies such as the FDA recognize several Type A polymer-based products as medical devices for wound care, further affirming their scientific validation. While not curative on their own, Type A polymers offer a scientifically backed, supportive role in the management of scratches and abrasions.
More about Type A polymers
More about Scratches and Abrasions
Other ingredients used for Scratches and Abrasions
aloe verabayberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chamomile
turmeric
dyer’s woad root
iodine
Japanese sophora
lauric acid
mucin
protease
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
parthenium
chickweed
paederia foetida
lilac
yarrow
moss
oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Asclepias cordifolia
acacia
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anserina
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Acemannan
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Bleeding Heart
Bridges' Penstemon
Black-Eyed Susan
Blackbrush
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Black Poplar
Bletilla
Barbary matrimony vine
Bush Monkey Flower
Babassu
Black root
Bittersweet
Calochortus
Comfrey
Candleberry
Calotropis gigantea
Cattail
Columbine
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Common Zinnia
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castile Soap
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
European hazel
English Elm
Emu Oil
Elkweed
Eupatorium
Elemi
Oak
Polyvinyl alcohol
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Other health conditions supported by Type A polymers
AbrasionsBurns and Scalds
Scratches and Abrasions
Wounds and Sores