Wound care is a crucial part of life. In most homes, you will find antiseptic for a scraped knee. But is it the best method to treat wounds? Well, it might not be the best, but you can treat your wounds properly with dressings. They are a swift and effective method of healing. Different types of dressings depend upon various factors like location, size, severity and injury. You can attain a range of wound dressing options from products such as Mepilex. In case the process of choosing the right wound dressing has been challenging, you can continue reading to know the different types of dressings.
- Foam dressing: One of the common types of wound dressing is foam dressing. Depending upon the brand, it can be both soft and absorbent. Protecting the wound and helping it heal is not just the only benefit, but it can also maintain a good moisture balance. In addition to this, you won’t have to be concerned about foul-smelling odours. Due to the absorbency of the dressing, excessive fluids are absorbed efficiently. Also, your wounds will be healed faster. The moisture inside the dressing allows you to protect the area of infection. Its unique permeability allows the water vapour to enter but not the bacteria. You will find this type of dressing in different sizes and shapes and in adhesive and non-adhesive options.
- Hydrocolloid dressing: Hydrocolloid dressings are utilised on wounds, which emit liquid, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers and necrotic wounds. You can also use them on burns without the need for taping. That’s not all; they are self-adhesive and consists of a flexible material that makes the patient feel extremely comfortable. They suit all types of skin. But how do they work? Substances such as polysaccharides and other polymers are used to coat the surface. These substances form a gel after absorbing the water. In this manner, they protect your wound from infection and keep it clean. The moist conditions set by the dressing helps heal the wound swiftly. They are biodegradable, impermeable to bacteria, easy to apply, and long-lasting.
- Gauze dressing: Gauze dressings can be found in different sizes and shapes. They are created from woven or non-woven materials and are used on wounds that need packing, wounds that require frequent changes in dressing, wounds that drain and infected wounds. You can obtain them from online stores easily since they are readily available. What’s more, they can be utilised on any type of wound and are more economical than other types of dressing.
- Silicone dressing: During dress changes, silicone dressings can actively decrease trauma and pain of epidermal stripping. They can be removed with ease and don’t interact with the wound chemically. Additionally, the soft silicone can’t enter the body’s circulatory system because the molecules are too large to pass through the skin. It means that the dressing won’t produce any undesirable effects on your body. Like the hydrocolloid dressing, the silicone dressings are perfect for people with fragile or sensitive skin. Well, they are beneficial for everyone, including the elderly and children. You can also use them if the dressing change causes stress and pain. What’s more, they are transparent and long-lasting. Products like Mepilex have various ranges of dressings, including silicone.
- Hydrogel dressing: Hydrogel dressing can reduce pain, fight infection and soothe wounds. Since it is made of 80 to 99 per cent glycerin, it adds moisture to dry wounds. When you add moisture to the dry wound area, it promotes faster healing and cell growth.