Traditional Wound Management Market

In 2022, the global market for traditional wound management reached a valuation of USD 6.2 billion, and it is anticipated to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2023 to 2030. This market expansion is driven by several key factors, including the rising incidence of accidents, the proliferation of Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs), and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases worldwide. Chronic conditions, such as urological disorders, cancer, Cardiovascular Disorders (CVDs), neurovascular diseases, and other persistent health issues, are on the rise and account for approximately 60% of global fatalities, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

A significant portion of the population is currently at risk of developing chronic ailments due to factors like high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, diabetes, sedentary lifestyles, and excessive alcohol consumption. Each year, CVDs alone claim 17.9 million lives worldwide. Additionally, data from the National Diabetes Statistic Report 2017 published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that over 100.0 million individuals in the U.S. had diabetes or prediabetes conditions. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) projected a global diabetes prevalence of 10.5% (536.6 million people) in individuals aged 20 to 79 years in 2021, increasing to 12.2% (783.2 million) by 2045.

Furthermore, cancer remains a significant contributor to the global healthcare burden, ranking among the leading causes of death. WHO estimates indicate that cancer is responsible for nearly 1 in 6 deaths worldwide, with over 70% of cancer-related fatalities occurring in middle- and low-income countries. As the prevalence of chronic diseases continues to rise, so does the number of surgeries performed, leading to an increased use of traditional wound care products like cotton, gauze, tapes, and bandages to prevent surgical-site infections. ASCs offer a wide range of services, including surgical care, diagnostics, and preventive procedures.

ASCs now handle surgeries for pain management, urology, orthopedics, restorative and reconstructive plastic surgeries, as well as Gastro Intestine (GI)-related surgeries. Initially, they primarily focused on GI-related minor surgeries, but the growing popularity of minimally invasive surgical procedures has expanded the services they offer. According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 2014, there were 17.2 million hospital visits involving invasive & therapeutic surgeries and ambulatory surgeries. Of these, approximately 9.94 million (57.8%) took place in hospital-owned ASCs, with the remaining 7.26 million (42.2%) conducted in hospitals.

The number of ASCs is on the rise, offering cost-effective services and favorable reimbursement coverage. Furthermore, these centers boast lower risks of post-surgical, hospital-related infections and provide patients with specific instructions regarding dressings and post-surgical home care. Consequently, with the increasing number of ASCs and surgical procedures, there is expected to be a growing demand for wound care products. The global incidence of accidents, such as road accidents, trauma, and burns, is also set to drive the industry forward.

According to a 2020 WHO report, approximately 1.35 million people worldwide lose their lives annually due to road accidents, with a staggering 93% of these fatalities occurring in middle- and low-income countries. This underlines the anticipated surge in demand for traditional wound care products, driven by the escalating occurrence of road accidents. Additionally, the growing number of trauma cases, including burns, is expected to further bolster industry growth. Traumatic events are more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries compared to their high-income counterparts. For example, a 2023 WHO report recorded around 180,000 annual deaths due to burns.

According to the same source, there are approximately one million cases of severe to moderate burns reported in India annually. Furthermore, the NCBI has documented a rise in burn wound incidents in countries such as Bulgaria, Finland, the Netherlands, China, Australia, and the U.K. in 2017. The primary dressing and treatment for acute wounds typically involve the use of gauze, tape, and bandages. Although cotton-based bandages are generally not used for burn wounds, there are instances where they are applied for superficial and minor burns. The growing demand for home healthcare services is contributing significantly to workforce expansion in this sector, serving as a major catalyst for industry growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of home healthcare and personal care aides in the U.S. reached approximately 13.0 million in 2020.

Moreover, the increasing elderly population in the U.S. is expected to drive the demand for home healthcare services, as older individuals are more likely to benefit from such services. According to the Population Reference Bureau in 2023, the number of Americans aged 65 and above is projected to increase from 52.0 million in 2023 to 95.0 million by 2060. This demographic shift will result in the elderly comprising 23.0% of the total U.S. population by 2060, up from 16.0% in 2023. Additionally, the growing volume of surgical procedures is anticipated to boost the demand for home healthcare services. For instance, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reported that in 2023, over 17.7 million surgeries and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures were performed in the U.S.

According to Molnlycke Health Care AB, approximately 70 million surgical procedures are conducted in Europe, with an annual growth rate of 3% to 4%. Eurostat data also reveals that in 2023, there were at least 1.16 million cesarean sections performed in the EU-27. Patients undergoing surgery often prefer home healthcare services over extended hospital stays, as these services offer several advantages, including personal care and home-delivered meals, among others. The COVID-19 pandemic had a detrimental impact on the market, with some market participants reporting decreased sales in 2020 due to pandemic-related disruptions.

Several governments redirected healthcare resources, including hospital beds, nurses, and critical professionals, toward the care of COVID-19 patients during the initial part of the pandemic. Consequently, wound treatment was deprioritized. Many medical organizations also issued guidelines for managing patients with challenging-to-heal wounds, with recommendations such as adopting telemedicine, establishing clinics outside of hospitals, and conducting home visits for individuals with less severe chronic wounds.

As of the end of 2020, most large countries had lifted their lockdowns and stay-at-home orders. Post-pandemic, the market is regaining momentum and is expected to experience significant growth in the forecast period. This resurgence can be attributed to the increasing demand for home healthcare, strategic initiatives implemented by key industry players, the rising adoption of telemedicine, and the rapid penetration of the e-commerce sector.

Product Insights

In terms of product categories, the industry has been categorized into gauze, tape, bandages, and cotton. In 2022, the gauze segment emerged as the dominant category, contributing to over 48.90% of the total revenue. This segment is poised for significant growth in the foreseeable future. Gauze bandages, known for their versatility, thin and breathable fabric, and woven nature, are directly applied to wounds. They play a crucial role in maintaining wound cleanliness and promoting rapid healing. The increasing incidence of both acute and chronic wounds worldwide serves as a primary driver for this segment, as gauze bandages are primarily employed as the primary dressing for such wounds.

Meanwhile, the tapes segment is expected to experience the swiftest growth rate during the forecast period. Tapes are frequently used in conjunction with medical bandages and come in various forms such as fabric tape, paper tape, and plastic tape. These tapes find extensive use in hospitals, specialized clinics, and home healthcare settings. The growing prevalence of chronic wounds, burns, and trauma plays a pivotal role in propelling the growth of this segment. Tapes are an essential component of wound dressing, and therefore, the increasing cases of both chronic and acute wounds are projected to drive demand for these products in the coming years.

Application Insights

Regarding applications, the industry has been divided into acute and chronic wounds. In 2022, the acute wounds segment commanded the majority share, accounting for approximately 60.0% of the total revenue. This segment is poised to experience significant growth during the forecast period, primarily driven by the increasing incidence of various traumatic wounds and burns. Acute wound products offer multiple advantages, including a reduction in Surgical Site Infections (SSI), enhanced outcomes, improved patient satisfaction, and shorter hospital stays. Conversely, the burns segment is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate in the forecast period due to the rising prevalence of burn injuries. A report from Swift Medical Inc. in 2023 indicated that more than 305 million burn and traumatic wounds are reported and treated globally each year. Acute wound products are predominantly utilized for addressing acute wounds, such as traumatic injuries and burns, further propelling this segment's growth.

Moreover, the chronic wounds segment is projected to achieve the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the forecast period. The growth is fueled by the increasing elderly population and the escalating incidence of conditions like diabetic foot ulcers, venous pressure ulcers, and other chronic wounds. For example, according to data from the Administration for Community Living, in 2019, the U.S. had 54.1 million people aged 65 and above, constituting about 19% of the total population. This demographic increased by approximately 36% from 2009 to 2019 and is projected to reach 80.8 million by 2040 and 94.7 million by 2060. Additionally, the prevalence of varicose veins in the U.S. is steadily rising. As reported in the Journal of the American Heart Association, around 23% of U.S. residents, or 1 in 4, have varicose veins. Varicose veins can lead to the development of venous leg ulcers, further bolstering the demand for traditional wound management products.

End-use Insights

In terms of end-users, the industry has been segmented into hospitals, clinics, home healthcare, and others. Hospitals emerged as the dominant segment in the global industry in 2022, accounting for more than 45.00% of the total revenue. This segment is expected to maintain its leading position with a steady Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) throughout the forecast period. The increasing prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers is a major driver of segment growth. Additionally, the rising number of surgeries has led to an increase in surgical wounds, further propelling demand for traditional wound care dressings in hospitals.

Conversely, the home healthcare segment is poised to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Many surgical procedures necessitate prolonged recovery periods, resulting in frequent dressing changes. Consequently, the demand for traditional wound care products within the home healthcare setting is on the rise. Furthermore, the geriatric and bariatric population, along with individuals suffering from chronic wounds, increasingly prefer home-based care over hospital stays.

Regional Insights

In 2022, North America emerged as the dominant force in the global industry, commanding a revenue share exceeding 45.00%. The region's prominence can be attributed to several factors, including the growing incidence of sports injuries, road accidents, and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. Additionally, the aging population in North America faces an elevated risk of wounds, further propelling the demand for wound care products.

For instance, data from the Administration for Community Living regarding aging and health reveals that in 2019, individuals aged 65 and above in the United States numbered 54.1 million, constituting 16% of the population. Furthermore, the region benefits from a higher availability of skilled healthcare professionals, which contributes to the increased demand for these products. The upswing in road accidents and continuous improvements in healthcare infrastructure also play pivotal roles in driving product demand in this region.

Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is projected to exhibit the most rapid Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2023 to 2030. The region's growth is underpinned by the escalating incidence of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, which is expected to fuel the demand for wound care products. For instance, according to the American Diabetes Association, type 2 diabetes (T2D) experienced rapid growth in China in 2023, becoming a leading public health concern. Furthermore, the burgeoning medical tourism industry in Asia Pacific is driving an increased number of surgical procedures. Consequently, this surge in surgical interventions is set to propel the regional market during the forecast period.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Prominent market players are involved in adopting strategies, such as mergers & acquisitions, product launches, and partnerships, to strengthen their position in the industry. For instance, in May 2022, 3M launched Spunlace, an extended-wear adhesive tape solution. In June 2020, Johnson & Johnson’s Band-Aid brand announced that it would be creating adhesive bandages to match more skin tones. Some of the prominent players in the global traditional wound management market include:

• 3M
• ConvaTec Group PLC
• DermaRite Industries LLC.
• DeRoyal Industries Inc.
• Hollister Incorporated
• Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.
• Coloplast A/S
• Medtronic plc.
• Mölnlycke Health Care AB
• Smith & Nephew plc.
• B. Braun Melsungen AG
• PAUL HARTMANN AG
• Johnson & Johnson Pvt. Ltd.

Global Traditional Wound Management Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2023 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global traditional wound management market report on the basis of product, application, end-use, and region:

Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2023 - 2030)

• Gauze
• Tape
• Bandages
• Cotton

Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2023 - 2030)

• Chronic Wounds
  • Diabetic Foot Ulcers
  • Pressure Ulcers
  • Venous Leg Ulcers
  • Other Chronic Wounds
• Acute Wounds
  • Surgical & Traumatic Wounds
  • Burns

End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2023 - 2030)

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Home Healthcare
• Others

Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2023 - 2030)

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • U.K.
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE