In 2025, sales of wound care in Italy remained stable. Retail volume sales were marginal whilst value growth was driven mainly by price increases. Wound care remains a mature category where demand is sustained by the routine management of acute and chronic wounds. There is a low level of innovation which is limited to specific segments, such as advanced dressings based on biodegradable hydrocolloids offering environmental and clinical benefits. This represents a niche market compared to the broa

Wound care in Spain is projected to register further positive, if slower, retail volume and current value growth at the end of the review period. Retail volume sales are set to grow only slightly over 2025, with retail current value sales seeing good growth, supported by more stable, but still significant inflationary pressure on prices. Whilst the baseline demand for wound care products is robust, the category continues to faces challenges at the end of the review period. For example, tradition

Current value sales of wound care increased in 2025, fuelled by a heightened consumer interest in home healthcare, which continued in the wake of the pandemic. Additionally, a surge in participation in sports and outdoor activities led to more minor injuries and a greater need for first aid products. Awareness of wound hygiene grew, particularly among families with children and those caring for older people, further boosting demand. The global trend towards self-care and OTC solutions also had a

Wound care in South Africa is projected to register quite modest retail volume growth over 2025. The growth in demand is expected to be significantly slower than in 2024. Meanwhile, retail current value sales are projected to see a fast increase, only marginally slower than in 2024, supported by positive retail volume growth, but mainly inflationary pressure on prices. Despite the upward growth trajectory of wound care through the review period, it remains a small category within consumer health

Current value growth for wound care in North Macedonia in 2025 looks set to be well down on 2024. This is chiefly because the recent spike in inflation has now largely receded, though volume growth is also expected to fall below that recorded the previous year given the negative demographic situation in the country. Sales remain resilient overall, however, as such products are generally considered basic essentials and usage levels are increasing as people become more likely to suffer various typ

Value sales of wound care products in Hong Kong continue to grow in 2025 alongside a vibrant surge in outdoor and fitness-oriented lifestyles, driven by a growing culture of wellness, community engagement and government-backed recreational initiatives. From early morning run clubs along the harbourfront to weekend fitness meetups in urban parks, residents are increasingly embracing physical activity as part of their daily routines.

Retail value sales of wound care are expected to rise in current terms in Indonesia in 2025, driven by a combination of rising accident-related incidents, expanding access to modern first aid, and increased health consciousness. Everyday minor injuries such as cuts, abrasions, insect bites, and burns remain common in both urban and rural settings, encouraging consumers to stock basic wound care items at home.

Wound care has seen moderate growth in current value terms in 2025. Sales have been supported by a growing focus on self-medication, modern fast-paced lifestyles, as well as a shift towards products with valued added features (both functionally and emotionally). Demand has also been supported by a wider distribution presence in more channels, boosted by an increase in the number of pharmacies across Thailand, particularly in local communities and rural areas.

Wound care has seen modest growth in current value terms in 2025, helped by improved weather conditions that have led to an increase in outdoor activity which in turn has increased the incidence of minor injuries. Other factors such as France’s ageing population have also fuelled growth, with older consumers more likely to experience minor injuries. Despite this, consumers have remained price sensitive, favouring basic wound care products over premium, high-tech options. This has placed a limit

In 2025, wound care in Saudi Arabia continues to expand in terms of value sales, supported by rising awareness of wound hygiene and stricter health and safety standards across workplaces and healthcare facilities. Consumers remain drawn to waterproof formats, which align with cultural and practical needs such as performing wudu before prayers and enduring the country’s harsh climate. At the same time, retailers and local players are broadening their wound care assortments, with innovations in ba

The rate of growth in retail current value sales of wound care slowed slightly but remained in double-digits in Uzbekistan in 2025, driven primarily by steady demand for essential products, such as gauze, tape and other wound care, which continued to dominate sales. While the category remains to be dominated by affordable, traditional wound care items, consistent demand, a steady rise in household incomes and slight price adjustments helped to boost retail sales during the year.

Value sales of wound care increased slightly in Greece in 2025. The growth is primarily attributed to the rising penetration of higher-value products, particularly first aid kits. While the use of economy brands is increasing in segments like sticking plasters/adhesive bandages and gauze, tape and other wound care, consumers show a greater willingness to invest in comprehensive first aid kits.

Wound care is expected to register muted current value and volume growth in Portugal in 2025. All the same, wound care received a boost from the electricity blackout that affected Portugal and Spain in April 2025, as the emergency highlighted the importance of having first aid supplies always at hand. In addition, in March 2025, the EU Commission released a statement recommending that citizens in member states assemble a 72-hour survival kit containing essentials like food, water, medicine, plas

Wound care sales are expected to continue growing in current value terms in 2025, although at a slower pace than during the previous year. The category has benefited from macroeconomic developments in Argentina, where the official peso exchange rate has appreciated sharply, leading to a considerable rise in local prices. This reduced the price advantage of purchasing products across the border, leading to a notable decline in small-scale smuggling during the first half of 2025. As a result, most

Wound care has continued see healthy growth in current value terms in 2025. Danish consumers have been pursuing more active lifestyles since the pandemic, with increased participation in outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. This has led to an increased number of small cuts, scrapes, and other minor injuries, thereby increasing the need for first aid essentials such as wound care. This trend aligns with the post-pandemic focus on health and wellness, where being physically active is a pr

2025 is seeing rising value sales for wound care in Malaysia. The expansion of private label products - particularly in sticking plasters and adhesive bandages - is reshaping the competitive landscape. Retailer-owned lines such as Watsons and Guardian are strengthening their position with new launches, including Watsons Transparent Plasters, Watershield Plasters and 100% Cotton Gauze Swab. Price competitiveness and nationwide outlet coverage are helping private label players capture more share.

Wound care is continuing to record positive growth in Sweden 2025. Swedish consumers have become more physically active post-pandemic, with increased participation in outdoor activities and travel leading to more minor injuries such as cuts and scrapes.

Wound care in Slovakia continues to expand in 2025, with retail value recording slight but steady growth. Rising engagement in sports, recreational and outdoor activities is driving demand, alongside demographic changes such as an ageing population. Consumers are also increasingly focused on convenience and product variety, with sticking plasters and adhesive bandages remaining the backbone of the category. These are now available in more specialised formats to address specific needs, including

Value sales of wound care products increased slightly in Taiwan in 2025. The concept of self-care for minor wounds is widely accepted, and consumers are increasingly confident in managing such issues independently.

Value sales of wound care are maintaining a positive and relatively stable performance in Slovenia in 2025, supported by the growing range of products available — including those which are increasingly sold online. One such recent key new product launch is seen from Hansaplast (Beiersdorf doo) with extra-protective “second skin” plasters, which is a specialised wound plaster featuring hydrocolloid (healing capsule) technology, aimed at promoting faster and more comfortable healing of minor wound

Wound care is expected to return to growth in Latvia in 2025, with both current value and volume sales increasing. Sticking plasters/adhesive bandages continue to account for most volume sales. Such offerings are competitively priced and benefit from a wider range, including waterproof options, as well as offerings designed for sports, such as plasters with hydrocolloid gel for blisters, with moisture absorbing particles and thick cushioning. There is also a large range targeted at children, whi

Sales of wound care have continued to post positive growth in current value terms in 2025. This thanks in part to increasing penetration of wound care across different retail channels, which is helping to expand access and increase the potential audience for these products. While consumers still visit hospitals for more serious injuries, specialised clinics and pharmacies are gaining relevance by incorporating advanced wound care lines and solutions for chronic or post-surgical wounds. This expa

Wound care in Romania is set to maintain positive growth in current value terms in 2025, supported by lifestyle changes following the pandemic. Consumers are spending more time outdoors, traveling, and engaging in sports and recreational activities such as hiking - all of which are contributing to higher demand. Employment patterns also play a key role in driving sales, with many Romanians working in sectors such as construction and agriculture, where the risk of injury is relatively high. Moreo

Sales of wound care picked up substantially in 2025 as the Israel-Hamas war continued and the brief Israel-Iran war in June 2025 led to more injuries within the Israeli population. In addition, many consumers are finding that they are getting more cuts and small scratches as they move around, due to the damaged infrastructure and poor ground surfaces. Since many people wear sandals or summer shoes in Israel, the feet were more exposed to obtaining superficial wounds.