Categories of Dressings Flashcards
What are Occlusive dressings used for?
They cover topical medication applied to a skin lesion. (Plastic wrapping) No more than 12 hours each day should the wrapping stay on for.
What are Wet dressings used for?
Wet compresses applied to the skin. Were used for acute, weeping and inflammatory lesions.
What are Moisture-retentive dressings used for?
Same function as a wet dressing but more efficient at removing exudate. Some dressings have saline solution, petrolatum, zinc-saline solution, hydrogel or antimicrobial agents. Reduces pain, fewer infections, less scar tissue and decreases frequency of dressing changes.
What are Hydrogels used for?
They are polymers with 90-95% water content. Available as sheets or gels. Used for superficial wounds with serous output, abrasions, skin graft sites and draining venous ulcers.
What are Hydrocolloids used for?
Made of water permiable, poly uthrane outer covering from the wound by a hydrocolloid material. Available in sheets and gels. Great choice for exudative wounds and acute wounds. Can be left on for up to 7 days and can be submerged in water for bathing and showering.
What are Foam dressings used for?
Made from microporus polyuthrane with absorptive hyrophilic (water absorbing) surface. Requires a 2nd dressing to keep in place. great choice for exudative wounds and bony prominences (extra cushioning).
What are Calcium Alginate used for?
Derived from seaweed and consists of highly absorbent calcium alginate fibres. Can be sheets, ropes, mats. Fibres turn into gel. works well in deep cavity, wound or sinus tract with heavy drainage. Non adherent so require 2nd dressing.
