TYPES OF WOUND DRESSINGS

Wounds heal faster with less pain and less scarring in a moist environment. Advanced wound dressings work by hydration (adding moisture to the wound bed) or by absorption (absorbing drainage keeping the wound bed moist). Choose dressings according to the characteristics of the wound.

WOUND CLEANSERS/DERIDERS gently cleanse a wound before dressing application. They may contain ingredients that absorb and/or deodorize while removing dead tissue and keeping healthy tissue in tact.

HYDROCOLLOID DRESSINGS are soft adsorptive adhesive wafers that become gel-like as they absorb and are best used on light to moderate draining wounds. Waterproof and impermeable to bacteria and contaminates they are easy to apply. These are not recommended for infected wounds. Come in various thicknesses.

CHARCOAL DRESSINGS have an active charcoal layer to absorb wound odor and can also be used on wounds that do not heal properly, such as cancerous lesions. Might require tape of a cover dressing to hold in place.

SILICONE GEL SHEETING is for limited temporary use to manage existing and new hypertrophic scars and keloids.

HYDROGELS are water based and transparent as they hydrate tissue and encourage debridement using the body's on enzymes. Since there is high water content the result is limited drainage or absorption. Are easy to use and may require a tape of cover dressing to hold in place. Not recommended for heavily or moderately draining wounds due to limited absorption.

COMPRESSION DRESSINGS AND UNNA BOOTS apply controlled pressure to the area of the body to help control swelling and at the same time promote circulation to facilitate wound healing.

FORM DRESSINGS are highly absorbent and often made from hydrophilic polyurethane foam to offer a moist environment to insulate and cushion the wound. Unless they are waterproof with an adhesive border they may require a dressing cover and tape. They do not stick to wound or leave a residue. Can be used for wounds that drain heavily.

CALCIUM ALGINATE DRESSINGS are available in sheets or ropes for packing deep wounds. Derived from seaweed they absorb moderate to heavy wound drainage (can absorb several times their own weight), They form a moist gel like cover and always require a cover dressing. Not recommended for lightly draining wounds.

TRANSPARENT ADHESIVE DRESSINGS maintain a moist environment permeable to oxygen vapor but impermeable to bacteria and contaminants. Since they are waterproof they can be used on blisters, superficial wounds or wounds with light drainage. Also used to protect IV catheter sites. Also allow evaluation of wound progress without being removed. Those with dexterity problems may have difficulty in application.

COLLAGEN DRESSINGS are for moderate to heavy draining wounds to enhance healing and tissue repair. Can be used on burns, pressure ulcers, scrapes, cuts and dermatologic situations.

NONADHERENT DRESSINGS are available impregnated and nonimpregnated and discourage foreign matter from becoming lodged in the wound bed. They can be sued on skin tears, donor sites and skin grafts. Most require a cover bandage and tape to hold in place.

SILVER DRESSINGS have broad spectrum antimicrobial action being effective against a wide range of micro organisms to include MRSA, VRE and Fungi.