In this series, we are featuring 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.
Foams:
Foam Dressing
Description of Foam Dressings:: Semi-permeable polyurethane foam dressings, non-adherent or semi-adherent contact layer, and hydrophobic or water proof outer layer
Function of Foam Dressings: Provide moist wound environment and thermal insulation, are non-adherent, absorptive capabilities vary depending on type and manufacturer, used for reduction of hyper-granulation tissue.
When to Use to use Foam Dressings:
* Moist Partial or full thickness wounds
* Light to moderate exudate
* Red, granular wounds
* Wounds with necrotic tissue that is softened
Foam Dressings
Contraindications of Foam Dressings:
* Dry Wounds
* Third Degree Burns
Advantages of Foam Dressings:
* Provides Moist Wound Healing
* Variety of Shapes and Sizes
* Provides Thermal Insulation
Disadvantages of Foam Dressings:
* The dressing is expensive if a daily dressing is required
* The wound may desiccate if there is no exudate from the wound
Foam Dressings
Reminders:
* Dressing should be 1 – 2 inches larger than wound.
* Change every 3 – 7 days or as necessary
* May require a secondary or cover dressing to hold in place.
For more information about wound care or becoming Wound care Certified, please visit the Wound Care Education Institute’s Registration Page
