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Dressings

Consumables

Film Island Dressings:

Film island dressings are made up of an absorbent pad (the “island”) surrounded by an adhesive transparent film that adheres to the skin. These dressings are designed to protect wounds while allowing for visual inspection, keeping the surrounding skin dry and clean.

Key Features:

  • Material: A semi-permeable, transparent film made from polyurethane. The island pad is made from absorbent material, often with a low-adherent surface to minimize trauma when removing the dressing.
  • Adhesive Border: The transparent film features an adhesive border that sticks to the skin securely without sticking to the wound itself.
  • Sterile: Individually packed and sterilized for use in wound care.
  • Waterproof: Protects the wound from moisture and external contaminants while allowing the skin to breathe.
  • Flexible and Conformable: The film is flexible and easily conforms to body contours, making it comfortable for the patient, even in areas with movement like elbows or knees.
  • Breathable: The semi-permeable film allows the wound to “breathe,” promoting a moist environment that aids in wound healing by allowing vapor to pass through while blocking bacteria and contaminants.
  • Hypoallergenic Adhesive: Designed to reduce the risk of allergic reactions or skin irritation, ideal for sensitive skin.

 

Use Case: Film island dressings are ideal for post-surgical wounds, minor cuts, abrasions, or sutured wounds. They protect against infection while allowing for easy inspection of the wound.

Transparent Film Dressings (Non-Island):

These are adhesive, thin, transparent dressings that cover wounds without any absorbent pad. They are designed for wounds with minimal exudate or as a secondary dressing to secure primary dressings.

Key Features:

  • Material: Made from a flexible, transparent polyurethane film.
  • Waterproof: Protects the wound from external moisture and bacteria while allowing the skin to breathe.
  • Flexible: The dressing easily conforms to different parts of the body, providing comfort and mobility.
  • Non-Absorbent: Used for low-exudate wounds or as a protective cover for primary dressings.

 

Use Case: Commonly used for minor burns, IV catheter sites, and protecting sutures or as a secondary dressing over gauze.

Foam Island Dressings:

Foam dressings with an island structure feature a soft, absorbent foam pad that sits on the wound, surrounded by an adhesive border.

Key Features:

  • Highly Absorbent: The foam core absorbs moderate to high amounts of exudate.
  • Waterproof: The outer layer is often water-resistant to protect the wound from external moisture.
  • Gentle on Skin: The foam padding is non-adherent, minimizing discomfort during removal.
  • Sterile and Breathable: These dressings help manage wound moisture while preventing infection.

 

Use Case: Suitable for wounds with moderate to high levels of exudate, such as pressure ulcers, post-operative wounds, or traumatic wounds.

Hydrocolloid Dressings:

These dressings form a gel when they come into contact with wound exudate, providing a moist environment conducive to healing.

Key Features:

  • Moisture Management: Creates a moist wound environment to promote faster healing.
  • Self-Adhesive: Sticks to the surrounding skin without needing additional adhesives or tapes.
  • Conforms to Body: Designed to adhere to irregular areas of the body.
  • Waterproof: Protects the wound from water, dirt, and bacteria while allowing healing.

 

Use Case: Used for wounds with light to moderate exudate, such as pressure ulcers, minor burns, or superficial skin tears.

Non-Adherent Dressings:

These dressings are ideal for wounds that need protection without sticking to the wound bed, often featuring a non-adherent layer over the absorbent core.

Key Features:

  • Non-Adherent Surface: Prevents the dressing from sticking to the wound bed, minimizing pain and damage during dressing changes.
  • Sterile: Packed sterile for safe use in post-operative care and wound management.
  • Absorbent Core: The pad absorbs light to moderate exudate without drying out the wound.

 

Use Case: Ideal for burns, surgical incisions, skin grafts, and wounds that are healing but need protection without adhesion.