In this series, we will feature Types of Dressings. As Wound Care Certified professionals, we should be aware of the types of wound care dressings that are available to us to treat the patients in our care. Wound Care Dressings come in various shapes, sizes and have indications for their use.
Alginates
Alginates
Description :Highly absorbent, biodegradable, Derived from brown seaweed, spun into rope or flat dressing form. The high absorption is achieved via strong hydrophilic gel formation which limits wound secretions and minimizes bacterial contamination.
* Function Alginates form a gel in the wound base when they come in contact with and mix with the wound exudate. Alginate fibers trapped in a wound are readily biodegraded.
* When to Use: Draining partial thickness wound ,Draining full thickness wound Wounds with moderate to heavy exudates, Must be used in moist wounds
* Contraindications Third degree burns, Eschar covered wound, Minimal draining wounds, Dry wounds
* Advantages: Moldable, absorbent, non-adhesive, provide moist wound healing environment, easy to use, and absorbs excessive drainage.
* Disadvantages :If wound bed is dry the dressing will not form gel and may adhere to tissue causing trauma, expensive to use in large wounds, may dehydrate wound.
Reminders
* Irrigate wound with normal saline or pH balanced surfactant cleanser between dressing changes.
* Utilize in moderate to heavily draining wounds, not for use in a dry wound.
* Cover with secondary dressing.
* Change as needed, usually 1-3 days depending upon drainage.
It is inappropriate to moisten this product before using or to use with Hydrogel.
For more information about becoming Wound Care Certified, please visit WCEI.net
