Multilayer wound covering materials comprising a supporting layer and a moisture permeation controlling layer and method for their manufacture

Wound-covering materials comprising two layers, a first support layer which is to be in contact with a wound and a second moisture permeation-controlling layer which may optionally contain an antimicrobial agent are taught. The support layer is formed from a biocompatible highly aqueous gel-forming substance, e.g., carboxymethylcelluloses, alginates, hyaluronates, poly(meth)acrylates, chitosan derivatives and chitin derivatives, and at least a portion of the support layer which is to be in contact with a wound is coated with a water-repellant substance, e.g., silicones, polyurethanes, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers and polytetrafluoroethylenes. The moisture permeation controlling layer may, e.g., be formed from steam permeable resin films made of silicone or polyurethane elastomers. The resultant wound-covering materials inhibit infection and pain, maintain adequate water retention, and do not produce bioincompatibility responses when applied to the site of wounds.