Wound dressings
Different medical products are available to dress the wound depending on the wound type, the level of exudate, whether infection is present, and the stage of healing.
The various product families available
HYDROGELS
Hydrogels release water. They contain more than 80% water and are cohesive so that do not run and stay on the wound. They facilitate the debridement phase for dry fibrin and dry necrosis.
ALGINATES - HYDROFIBRES
These are highly absorbent dressings which are indicated for the debridement of wet slough and necrosis. Alginates are characterised by their vertical absorption and gelling properties and usually require a secondary dressing.
HYDROCELLULAR DRESSINGS
Hydrocellular dressings are absorbent, semi-permeable/impermeable polyurethane dressings indicated for the treatment of exuding wounds. There is a broad range of hydrocellular dressings available which are used to facilitate debridement to epithelialisation (lite hydrocellular dressings).
STANDARD HYDROCOLLOIDS
Hydrocolloids are the pioneers of moist wound healing which are composed mainly of carboxymethylcellulose. They have the characteristics of absorbing, swelling and then gelling.
They are recommended for usein the granulation and epithelialisation phases (thin hydrocolloids).
GREASY GAUZES AND IMPREGNATED COMPRESSES
These are composed of a loose mesh of cotton impregnated with a fatty substance and are used mainly in the epithelialisation phase.
CONTACT LAYERS
Interfaces are composed of a tight mesh of a synthetic material coated with a special substance and are recommended for use at the end of the granulation and epithelialisation phase.
ACTIVE DRESSINGS
These dressings contain active substances, for specific purposes:
- To facilitate and stimulate wound healing
- To provide an antibacterial action
- To control unpleasant odours
CARBON DRESSINGS
Carbon dressings are odour-absorbing and detergent dressings.