Inactive wound dressings
The classic dressing materials are referred to as inactive wound dressings. This group includes:
- Gauze compress
- Gauze compress
- Non-woven dressings
In addition to their use for wound coverage in weeping and dry wounds, the inactive dressings are also used for applying antiseptic solutions and cleansing the wound.
Interactive wound dressings
A moist wound bed facilitates wound healing, which is why doctors strive to prevent wounds from drying out. Moist wound healing relies primarily on interactive dressings such as:
- Films
- Alginates
- Hydrogels
- Hydrocolloids
- Polyurethane foams
- Hydrofibers
Wound films
Wound dressings are permeable to vapor and air. Because they are also transparent, the physician can easily observe the wound and detect infections early without having to remove the dressing. Films are well suited for clean, primary healing wounds.
Alginates
Hydrogels & Hydrocolloids
Hydrogels restore moisture to dry wounds and soften scabbed coatings. This is useful for dry necroses, for example. Hydrogel wound care must not be used on infected wounds!
Polyurethane foams and laminates (polyacrylate pads).
Foam dressings consist of two components: a polyurethane film, which is water-repellent but allows wound secretions to drain to the outside, and the actual polyurethane foam. This can absorb large quantities of wound secretions. This type of wound care is therefore particularly suitable for heavily oozing wounds.
Hydrofiber wound dressings
Wound dressings of the hydrofiber type are based on cellulose. Similar to hydrocolloid, this is converted into a viscous gel on contact with wound secretions. Since the gel is dimensionally stable and wound secretion can thus hardly spread to the wound edges, the skin in the area of the injury is not irritated. Due to their properties, hydrofiber wound dressings are very suitable for lining large, pocket-like wounds.
Active wound dressings
Wound dressings: Don’t forget wound hygiene!
Careful hygiene is essential when treating wounds. Therefore, when changing a wound dressing, make sure that every wound dressing used (film, plaster, compress) is sterile. Old or soaked wound dressings should not be worn any longer, but replaced.
