Module 1 - Wound care & Healing
Dressings
Dressings protect the wound from further trauma and provide a moist, antibacterial environment for healing. Sometimes in addition to moist or medicated bandage, splinting or casting is performed on the affected limb. If aberrant scarring is suspected, pressure bandages can be used to suppress scar hypertrophy. Dressing changes at regular intervals is paramount to preventing infection and optimizing wound healing.
1.) The Ideal Dressing
- Provides protection from further injury or infection
- Permits movement of joints and body parts proximal to the wound
- Exercises some compression on the wound site to control bleeding and scarring
- Absorbs fluids draining from the wound
- Ultimately contributes to an improved esthetic outcome for the resulting scar
2.) Wound Care Options
- Ointments
- Impregnated gauze
- Gauze packing
- Hydrocolloids
- Hydrogels
- Alginates
- Adhesive films
Author: SP Zinn