Wound Dressing Types

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Wound dressing types: How to choose the appropriate dressing for each wound type: Choosing the right dressing to suit the conditions of a patient’s wound is vital for optimum healing and quality of life. This article examines the different types of wound dressing available, looks at the healing properties of each dressing and provides examples of the types of wounds that each dressing type should be used upon. One of the roles of the nurse is to examine the products available and together with other healthcare professionals, such as infection control nurses, pharmacists and procurement personnel, reach a decision regarding which of the different types of dressings will be used in their trust. A) Classifications of wound dressings:  Film dressings  Simple island dressings  Non-adherent dressings  Moist dressings  Absorbent dressings Film dressings: These dressings can be used as primary or secondary dressings. Film dressings can also be used as a barrier to protect an area of the body that might be experiencing friction or shear forces, for example a small superficial wound, producing minimal exudate or a superficial heel ulcer caused by friction or shear (Figure 1). Figure 1. A superficial heel ulcer resulting from friction/shear. Examples of film dressings include: Mepore Film® OpSite® FlexiFix® Tegaderm Film™ Simple island dressings Simple island dressings are only to be used over wounds closed by primary intention, in other words over a suture line. The dressings have a central pad of cellulose material to absorb any oozing from the suture line during the first 24 hours post-surgery. It is important to ask patients if they have any skin allergies before the

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