Dressing Types and Characteristics (For Wound Treatment)

Kerlix: 

·         used to secure primary bandage in place

·         use in spirals 1” above and 1” below

Calcium Alginates:

·         “rope” or flat sheet

·         provides moist wound environment

·         highly absorbent

·         may be used with infected wounds

·         assists in re-epithelization

Telfa:

·         non-adherent dressing (middle part of a bandaid) 

·         use with mildly draining wounds

·         works well with Silvadene applied over large burned areas, then secure with kerlix

Packing strips:

·         used for filling tunnels

·         Remember, we want the wound to heal from the inside out

Gauze: 

·         Used with “wet-to-damp” or “wet-to-dry” dressings

Foam:

·         Absorbent

·         Pads and cushions the wound

·         Maintains wound environment

Regranex:  growth factor contains form of human platelet derived from growth factor which promotes growth of tissue

Hydrocolloid:

·         Occlusive to semipermeable

·         Provides moist environment

·         Aids in autolytic debridement

·         Encourages granulation

Hydroactive:

·         Absorbs exudates into the structure of dressing

·         Swells to fill cavity

Ultrasound gel pack:

·         Place over top of wound, then perform US treatement

Elase and Santyl Collagenase:

• Debriding enzymes
• Use “cross-hatch” pattern with scapel to promote penetration into necrosis
• Promotes wound debridement
• DO NOT use on red, healthy tissue
• Apply with sterile tip applicator

Film: 

• Used for superficial Stage 1 wounds
• Promotes autolytic debridement
• Transparent
• Provides moist wound environment