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Wound dressings are coverings made of either natural or synthetic fibers, which help cover, protect, and heal a wound. They are mainly of two broad types, woven and non-woven wound dressings. Woven wound dressings are made from cotton fibers and non-woven are made from synthetic fibers pressed on to each other to resemble a weave. The main idea behind a wound dressing is to control the bleeding, clean the debris, help remove necrotic tissue, prevent leakage or pooling of exudate, and protect the wound from external contaminates such as dust and microbes. Primary dressings are the ones that come in direct contact with the wound whereas secondary dressings are those that help protect and secure the primary dressings. Bandages can be used as secondary wound dressings but not as primary ones.
Absorbent dressings are made of woven cotton fibers and their main role is to absorb the exudate from the wound and stop the bleeding. They prevent the pooling of exudate and remove necrotic tissue, which in turn prevents infections.
Alginate dressings are non-woven dressings, derived from seaweeds. When in contact with the wound, alginate dressings form a gel like substance around the wound thus providing a padded surface. They need a secondary dressing to secure them. They are perfect for irregularly shaped wounds, heavy exudate wounds, and venous wounds.
Available in a number of shapes and variations, anti-microbial dressings prevent the pooling of blood and necrotic tissue thus reducing the chances of a microbial infection.
Burn dressings are specially designed for burn wounds and help manage the moisture and are anti-microbial in nature. They prevent the burn from reaching the deeper parts of the skin. Burn dressings also reduce burn boils and swelling.
Catheter/IV dressings help in securing a catheter in place and preventing any leakage from the ostomy or wound site. Catheter/IV dressings are absorbent and are also heavy duty to secure the catheter in place.
Collagen dressings are derived from procine, bovine, or avian sources and form a gel-like padded surface when in contact with the wound exudate. Collagen dressings are useful for ulcers of all kinds, donor sites, surgical wounds, burns, abrasions, etc.
Composite dressings combine a number of layers to create one wound dressing. This includes anti-microbial, adhesive, and absorbent layers. Composite dressings can be used as both primary and secondary dressings.
Contact later dressings are highly sensitive and delicate dressings that are applied to wound bed to prevent any topical agents or dressings from touching the wound bed. Contact layer dressings are porous and allow the exudate to drain. They are useful in venous wounds, skin grafting, etc.
Foam dressings are sheets made of polymer solutions, they are usually layered with other materials. Foam dressings are non-adhesive and require a secondary dressing to hold them in place. They also act as bacterial barriers.
Composed of medical grade honey, honey dressings help in treating acute and chronic wounds. Easy autolytic debridement is possible because of the high sugar content in the dressings. They help prepare the wound bed for optimum healing.
Hydrocellular dressings are mainly crafted to absorb high levels of exudate. They maintain the moisture levels of the wound thus preventing it from going completely dry. They also promote epithelialization thus increasing the speed of wound closure.
Hydrocolloid dressings are great at conforming around the contours of the body. Hydrocolloid dressings come in wafer shapes, powders, and gels. The wafers are self-adhering and do not require a secondary dressing. They are great for wounds on joint areas and heels.
Hydrofiber dressings are non-woven and comfortable dressings that contain sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Hydrofiber dressings absorb high amounts of exudate and change into a gel-like substance when in contact with the wound. They also help in managing moisture.
90% of hydrogel dressings is water which is suspended in a gel medium. It helps filling and reaching the minor reaches of the wound and thus increasing the moisture content to expedite healing. Hydrogel dressings help in debridement, granulation, and final healing of the wound.
Impregnated dressings are simple dressings impregnated with a solution that helps in the healing process. The solution can be anti-microbial or moisture managing in nature.
Iodine dressings contain cadeoxer iodine microbeads that release iodine when they come in contact with the wound exudate. This helps in removing the necrotic tissue and also removes the debris from the wound. Iodine dressings also help in managing the exudate.
Non-adherent dressings are used as covering dressings as they are easy to apply and remove. They do not have any adhesiveness and hence do not stick to the wound. They are often used as secondary dressings to help absorb wound exudate.
Odor absorbent dressings have activated charcoal that helps in eliminating foul odor of the wound. Therefore, odor absorbent dressings help in treating malodorous wounds.
Silicone dressings are mainly designed for people with sensitive and fragile skin. These silicone dressings prevent the formation of keloid or hypertrophic scars. They can stick to dry surfaces but are not adherent to wet surfaces.
Silver dressings are the perfect anti-bacterial option. They are impregnated with a silver solution that prevents the growth of bacteria thus keeping the wound away from infection at all times.
Transparent dressings are made of a see-through material and are used for wounds that need continuous inspection. Though transparent, they are not porous and prevent the passage of water, liquid, or bacteria in and out of the wound. Gases can pass through these transparent dressings.
Designed for the feet and legs, Unna boot dressings are made of cotton and impregnated with zinc oxide. They help soothe the irritated skin and promote wound healing.
Wound dressings are made of either natural or synthetic fibers, which help cover, protect, and heal a wound. The wound dressing is Used to control the bleeding, clean the debris, help remove necrotic tissue, prevent leakage or pooling of exudate, and protect the wound from external contaminants. At Shop Wound Care, we have a wide range of wound care dressings from top selling brands such as Medline, Smith & Nephew, Convatec, etc. Shop now!
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