Hydrogel Dressing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Amorphous Hydrogel, Impregnated Hydrogel), By Application (Acute Wounds, Chronic Wounds), By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Hydrogel Dressing Market Size & Trends

The global hydrogel dressing market size was estimated at USD 920.32 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.32% from 2024 to 2030. The demand for hydrogel dressing is projected to increase due to rising chronic & acute wound population. As the geriatric population has a slow healing ability, an increase in the number of elderly people is projected to enhance the use of hydrogel dressing.

For instance, as per the data published by United Health Foundation, the population of adults, aged 65 and over was around 58 million in 2022, accounting for about 17.3% and is projected to increase to 22% by 2040. Similar to this, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Asia and the Pacific estimates, by 2050, about one in every four people in the Asia Pacific region will be over 60, which is anticipated to boost the market growth.

Hydrogel dressing aids in treatment of chronic wounds, including pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers. Globally, growing number of people with diabetes is leading to an increase in those who have diabetic foot ulcers. According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), as of February 2021, globally, 537 million adultswere estimated to be living with diabetes, which is expected to reach 783 million by 2045. Numerous healthcare professionals use hydrogel dressing as it promotes rapid wound healing. This is expected to increase demand for hydrogel dressing throughout the forecast period.

The market for hydrogel dressings is also expected to grow because of increased occurrences of burns, trauma, and road accidents. For instance, according to the WHO's 2023 estimate, approximately 1 million individuals in India have severe or moderate burns each year. In addition, 1,353,500 fire incidents were confirmed in 2021, with 14,700 injuries and 3,800 fatalities, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Furthermore, the WHO reports that nearly 1.3 million individuals lose their lives in traffic accidents each year. Similar to this, the Brake group estimates that between 20 and 50 million non-fatal injuries are caused by automotive accidents annually. These accidents typically result in severe bleeding and other injuries, necessitating rapid medical care and surgical operations to relieve patients' immediate suffering.

Therefore, rising incidence of acute and chronic wounds is likely to boost the demand for hydrogel dressing, as they are effective for acute and chronic wounds of varying thicknesses. Hydrogel dressing is also used to treat minor burns and abrasions. Thereby, aforementioned factors are driving the market growth.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the market negatively, due to the cancellation or postponement of elective procedures. However, the market is expected to grow post-COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, several market players are undertaking several initiatives such as product launch, geographic expansion, to increase their global reach. In January 2022, Nexgel Advanced Hydrogel Solutions, announced the launch of MEDAGEL, a hydrogel patch to treat & prevent foot blisters. In addition, increased telehealth and virtual consultation penetration has aided the market's recovery post the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance,

• A virtual service for wound care consulting was introduced by Delta Care Rx in January 2021. It combines hospice and palliative care nurses with a doctor and nurse specializing in wound care.

• The Telewound Care Canada project received a USD 2.5 million investment from the Digital Technology Supercluster in February 2021.

• Independent medical practices that offer telemedicine increased from 22% before the pandemic to 41% after it, according to a research article that was published in Medline Industries LP. Similarly, telemedicine adoption has increased from 49% of customers prior to the pandemic to 60% post-pandemic.

Thus, aforementioned factors will likely cause the hydrogel dressing industry to grow quickly in the post-pandemic period.

Market Characteristics

Market growth stage is low, and pace is accelerating. The market is characterized by a high degree of innovation owing to the massive research being conducted to create novel hydrogel products from natural sources such as animal tissues, plant extracts, extracellular matrix, and others.

The market is also characterized by a high level of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity by the leading players. This strategy enables companies to increase their capabilities, expand product portfolios, and improve competencies.

The market is also subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny. This is due to concerns about the patient’s safety, efficacy, and quality of medical devices and products related to wounds. As a result, governments around the world are developing regulations to govern the development and use of dressings. These regulations could have a significant impact on the market.

However, there are many alternative products that can be used to achieve similar outcomes to hydrogel dressing, such as foam dressings, alginate dressings, transparent film, gauze dressings, silver dressings, and antimicrobial dressings. These products can be used as substitutes for hydrogel dressing in certain applications.

End-user concentration is a significant factor in the market. The demand for hydrogel dressings is being propelled by several key end-user industries. The concentration of this demand within a limited number of sectors presents opportunities for companies specializing in the development of hydrogel dressings tailored for these industries.

End-use Insights

The hospital segment dominated the market in 2023. The dominance of this market segment may be attributed to the rise in surgical procedures because of sedentary lifestyles worldwide, along with the rise in bariatric procedures, which demand the use of hydrogel dressing solutions to avoid surgical site infections. In addition, hospitals have long-term contracts with suppliers, and are recognized as bulk buyer of hydrogel dressing. Moreover, according to Smith & Nephew, in a typical hospital setting, patients with wounds occupy between 25 and 40% of beds. Hence, owing to such factors, the segment is anticipated to grow during the forecast period.

The home healthcare segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR over the forecast period due to patients growing demand for shifting from hospital to home care settings. Most procedures have a lengthy healing phase, which necessitates regular dressing changes. In addition, elderly people with wounds prefer home care over hospitalization. Global geriatric population growth can be accredited for the market growth. According to the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, there will be 1.3 billion older people worldwide in 2050, up from 630 million in 2020. In a similar manner, 13.6% of the Asia-Pacific region is predicted to have a quarter of the world's elderly population by 2050, thereby, boosting the growth of the market.

In addition, a growing number of people with chronic diseases opt to receive treatment at home due to escalating healthcare costs. As hydrogel dressings are used to treat, diagnose, and monitor a variety of chronic and acute wounds, this trend is anticipated to increase demand for them. Therefore, it is projected that these factors will accelerate segment expansion during the forecast period.

Product Insights

Based on product, the amorphous hydrogel segment held a revenue share of 51.19% in 2023, and is anticipated to dominate the product segment over the forecast period. Amorphous hydrogel dressing is used to provide moisture to a dry wound and retain moist healing environment. These dressings are commonly used in minor burns, necrotic wounds, and to heal tissue damaged due to radiations. There has been an increase in number of people suffering from burns globally, which is expected to increase the demand for hydrogel dressings. According to an article posted by American Burn Association in February 2021, more than 400,000 people in the U.S. receive treatment for burn injuries every year. Similarly, as per the WHO, every year, thermal burn is estimated to affect 6.6 million people worldwide. Hence, due to above mentioned factors, the amorphous hydrogel segment is anticipated to have a considerable growth rate during the forecast years.

Impregnated hydrogel dressing is used for recovery of partial & full thickness wounds, and deep wounds such as skin tear. Rising incidence and prevalence of skin tears is anticipated to boost the use of hydrogel dressing. For instance, as per study conducted by NCBI in Ontario, out of total individuals registered in the study, the prevalence of skin tears was found to be 20.8%, with an incidence rate of 18.9% during the four weeks of study. Similarly, as per latest available statistics by World Population Review, knife related deaths in South Africa touched 16.95 per 100,000 populations, whereas India ranked 3^rd in top 10 countries with most deaths due to stabbing along with deaths of around 8,931 people. A stab wound needs to be kept moist for quick recovery. Thus, with rising cases of acute wounds such as skin tears and stab wounds, the segment is forecasted to have a significant growth rate.

Regional Insights 

North America dominated the market in 2023 with a 45.46% share in 2023. The large population bases and expanding patient pools in countries like the U.S. and Canada are the main factors driving the expansion of the hydrogel dressing industry in this area. In addition, growing diabetic population is projected to drive increased demand for hydrogel dressing supplies in this area because diabetics are more likely to develop chronic wounds. Furthermore, the presence of key players in the region is one of the leading factors contributing to market growth.

The U.S. held the largest share in North America market in 2023. This large share is attributed to the increased number of traumatic accidents and high incidence of various chronic ulcers. For instance, according to the CDC, over 38.4 million U.S. people have diabetes in 2021. Further, market for hydrogel dressing products in U.S. is also anticipated to increase because of rising number of gunshot wounds, traumatic accidents, and the availability of qualified specialists in this region.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness significant growth in the market. This can be attributed to the increased chronic diseases and obesity caused by changing lifestyles. For instance, according to Asia Development Bank Institute, there are around 1 billion overweight and obese people in the Asia Pacific region, which is the highest population in the world. Moreover, as per the similar source, in the Asia Pacific region, 2 out of 5 adults are either overweight or obese. Obese people are more susceptible towards other chronic disease such as diabetes, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, thereby fueling the market growth in the region.

The China held the largest share in market in 2023. Growth in the market is primarily propelled by the increasing prevalence of chronic disorders, surge in surgical procedures, and the expanding geriatric demographic. According to Springer Nature, in 2022, there were 280.04 million individuals aged 60 & above. These factors are anticipated to drive the segment growth over the forecast period.

Application Insights

The chronic wounds segment dominated the market in 2023 and is projected to show a considerable growth rate over the forecast years. The dominance can be accredited to a rise in the geriatric population, increase in the number of people suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, and obesity. The surge in the number of people suffering from obesity is expected to propel the number of patients suffering from pressure ulcers and venous leg ulcers. For instance, according to an article published by Trust for America’s Health organization in September 2022, the obesity rate in 19 states of the U.S. as of 2022 was above 35%. As obesity is associated with the increasing prevalence of pressure ulcers, the use of hydrogel dressing is anticipated to increase over the forecast period.

However, the acute wound segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast years. The primary element fueling the segment's rise is the increase in cases of various traumatic injuries, including gunshot wounds, lacerations, stab wounds, and accidents. For instance, the Pew Research Center estimates that 48,830 U.S. people died from firearm-related injuries in 2021. Similarly, according to WHO in December 2023, 1.19 million people died each year due to road accidents. Hence, as a result of aforementioned reasons, the acute wound segment is estimated to propel over the forecast duration.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include 3M; Medline Industries, Smith & Nephew

• 3M is a pioneer in the development of technological platforms, spanning adhesives, light management, microreplication, abrasives, nonwoven materials, nanotechnology, and surface modification. The company's technological endeavors are dedicated to nurturing robust and sustainable communities. This commitment is evident through financial investments, product donations, and a notable emphasis on resources that contribute to enhancing the vibrancy of communities.

• Medline Industries is a privately owned manufacturer and distributor that provides medical products, support, & education. The company operates in more than 125 countries and has more than 1,800 quality control specialists globally. It operates in medical equipment, product services, specialty products, and consumer brands.

• Smith & Nephew is involved in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of orthopedic devices, sports medicine products, arthroscopic technologies, and solutions for wound care.

DermaRite Industries, LLC, AMERX Health Care Corp are some of the emerging market participants.

• DermaRite Industries, LLC manufactures a variety of products including skincare, advanced wound care, nutritional, and infection control items. The company offers cost-effective solutions such as skincare, wound care, sanitizers, skin protectants, and nutritional supplements tailored for use in healthcare and senior-care facilities.

Recent Developments

• In December 2022, NEXGEL introduced an innovative hydrogel dressing named Turfguard, designed to address painful turf burns and provide protection for sports-related wounds.

• In September 2022, Evonik has entered into an agreement with Coopmed, a consulting and sales company in the medical technology sector, for the distribution of the wound dressing epicite.

Hydrogel Dressing Market Report Scope

Global Hydrogel Dressing Market Report 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 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global hydrogel dressing market report based on product, application, end-use, and region.

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Amorphous hydrogel

  • Impregnated hydrogel

  • Sheet hydrogel

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Acute Wounds

    • Surgical & traumatic wounds

    • Burns

  • Chronic Wounds

    • Diabetic foot ulcers

    • Pressure ulcers

    • Venous leg ulcers

    • Other chronic wounds

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospitals

  • Specialty Clinics

  • Home Healthcare

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Norway

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • South Africa

    • Kuwait