Alginate Dressings Are Best For Highly Exudating Wounds

Wound dressings and bandages are an essential a part of first aid kits. Are actually many types of wound dressings available; some are more known and commonly used like duoderm and tegaderm, while others like alginate dressings may not be as popular. Alginate dressings have been in use for over five decades but these are suggestive of as frequently as other modern dressings.

Alginate dressings are made from seaweed and are highly absorbent as well as biodegradable. Their main component is alginic acid. Are generally particularly suitable for used extensively exudating wounds where high absorption is needed because these dressings can absorb up to 20 times their weight. It maintains a moist environment in the wound site which promotes healing. The fibers of the dressing that are left in the wound bed after the removal of the dressing could be easily rinsed out. Usually an occlusive dressing which not only absorbs exudates while keeping the wound moist but also results barrier that prevents harmful microorganisms from entering the wound. When this dressing comes in contact with the wound, a chemical reaction takes place which causes the fibers of the dressing to expand and forms a gel.

It is suitable for full-thickness burns, surgical wounds, split-thickness graft donor sites, chronic ulcers etc. When highly exudating wounds are dressed with alginate dressing, it absorbs the exudates and forms a moist environment. However, it is not used by itself just because a site secondary dressing will be needed to keep alginate in place. The moist environment does not let wound dry and promotes healing. It can double in shallow wounds on the form of a sheet and ribbon or rope form is packed in cavity wounds. An important feature of this dressing is that it can be easily removed without any pain. Once the wound starts to epithelialize, it's difficult to remove most dressings but alginate dressing can be removed without any discomfort.

It is that make up a number of brands which differ in performance nevertheless extent due to your source of the seaweed and strategies of preparation. Understanding the differences between different types of dressings is very important for effective wound management. If inappropriate dressing is used, it can exacerbate the ended. For example, if an alginate dressing is invested in relatively dry wound, it will further absorb the moisture and negatively affect the healing process. In order to not mention the pain and suffering caused to individual. The knowledge of wound healing process and the advantages and disadvantages of different varieties of dressings is a consideration for health professionals and intensely helpful for lay people.