Wound dressing

Wound Dressing

A wound dressing is a sterile pad or compress applied to a wound to promote healing and protect the wound from further harm. A dressing is designed to be in direct contact with the wound, as distinguished from a bandage, which is most often used to hold a dressing in place.

Types of Wound Dressings

There are many different types of wound dressings, and they each have different properties that make them suitable for different types of wounds.

• Hydrocolloid dressing is a type of dressing that contains gel-forming agents in an adhesive compound laminated onto a flexible, water-resistant outer layer. Some may also be impregnated with substances like antiseptics or enzymes. They are used for granulating wounds such as pressure ulcers.

• Hydrogel dressing is another type of dressing used to provide moisture to dry wounds and help in the healing process. They are used for wounds with little to no excess fluid, painful wounds, necrotic wounds, pressure ulcers, and venous ulcers.

• Alginate dressing is a type of wound dressing that contains calcium and sodium fibers derived from seaweed. They are used for wounds with a large amount of exudate, like venous ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers.

• Foam dressing is a type of dressing made of polyurethane foam. They are used for wounds with a large amount of exudate, pressure ulcers, and venous ulcers.

Selection of Wound Dressings

The selection of a wound dressing depends on the type and stage of the wound, as well as the overall condition of the patient. Factors to consider include the wound's size, depth, location, and level of exudate. The patient's comfort and lifestyle should also be taken into account.

See Also

• Bandage
• First aid
• Wound healing
• Pressure ulcer
• Venous ulcer
• Diabetic foot ulcer