An occlusive dressing is a non-permeable dressing that seals wounds and their surroundings from air and fluids as well as viruses, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants. These dressings are normally made with a waxy coating so that it provides a total seal. Although no dressing can provide a complete seal, occlusive dressings come close. An occlusive dressing is often applied as an immediate means to control blood loss and keep the wound clean until debridement is performed.
They are intended for hospital and clinical use and may be applied by a health care professional trained in applying these kinds of dressings. Sometimes, the patient’s long-term caregiver also takes up the task. The quality of the seal often depends on factors such as condition around the wound, the skill of the person dressing the wound, and the nature of the injury.
Shop Wound Care offers a wide array of occlusive dressings that act as a barrier against the penetration of bacteria and harmful contaminants to the wound environment. Convatec DuoDERM Extra Thin Dressing combines a unique hydrocolloid formulation and a vapor-permeable outer film to provide an occlusive moist environment. Medline Exuderm LP Thin Hydrocolloid Dressing conforms to difficult body contours and creates a moist environment to encourage wounds to heal.
There are various reasons why a doctor might use an occlusive dressing as opposed to a conventional dressing which allows a wound to breathe. They may include the following:
The main function of an occlusive dressing is to maintain a moist wound environment which shields the wound surface by preventing dry environment and trauma. Following dressings may be used as an occlusive dressing, including:
The occlusive dressing conforms to the wound site and creates a complete seal. It acts as a barrier to outside pathogens that might infect the wound and slow down the healing. Since the dressing conforms to the contours of the body, it is more likely to remain in place and protect the wound from further trauma as well. Fluid in the wound promotes a moist wound environment and improves wound healing by interacting with regenerating epithelium, dermal, and granulation tissue. For certain types of wounds, occlusive dressing work greatly in alleviating pain symptoms and promoting faster wound-healing time and helps restore the patients’ normal daily activities. Wrapping up, the top three benefits of an occlusive dressing may include:
Occlusive dressings come in the form of flat sheets and can be cut to size if necessary and attached with adhesive tape. The bandage is taped on all sides to create a snug seal. Sometimes, one side is left open to create a valve or flapper, which may be required in some situations. The dressings need to be checked and changed periodically to reduce the risk of infection and other potential complications. For serious injuries, dressing changes may need to be performed by a health care professional, while the patient can manage minor wounds following the instructions from a medical provider.
Shop Wound Care carries an extensive range of high-quality air and water-tight occlusive dressings that are used to protect wounds and the surrounding tissues from pathogens and other harmful materials. These dressings are from top vendors such as Medline, Convatec, Reliamed, etc. Place your order today!
