Abstract: The present invention relates to carboxyethyl cellulose fibers, to a method for producing the same and their use for wound treatment, especially in wound dressings, in other products for medical applications such as swabs, bandages and the like, and in hygiene items, and in all these applications, particularly for producing a surface to be in contact with the body. The products produced from the fibers according to the invention do not stick to the wounds or to the skin despite being extremely absorbent and have such good cohesion in the swollen state that especially the wound dressings produced therefrom can be peeled off from the wound in one piece without injuring the same.