What is a Wound Dressing?
A wound dressing is a sterile pad or covering applied to a wound to promote healing, prevent infection, absorb exudate, and provide an optimal moist wound healing environment. The selection depends on wound type, depth, exudate level, and healing phase.
Primary Purposes of Dressing
Protection
From bacteria & trauma
Moisture
Optimal moist environment
Absorption
Exudate management
Haemostasis
Bleeding control
Wound Healing Phases & Dressing Role
1. Haemostasis
Minutes ā Hours
Clot formation, vasoconstriction. Use haemostatic dressings, pressure dressings.
2. Inflammatory
1 ā 4 Days
Phagocytosis, debridement. Use antimicrobial, alginate, hydrogel dressings.
3. Proliferative
4 ā 21 Days
Granulation, angiogenesis. Use foam, hydrocolloid, collagen dressings.
4. Remodelling
21 Days ā 2 Years
Collagen maturation, scar formation. Use silicone sheets, film dressings.
Properties of an Ideal Dressing (Turner's Criteria)
Maintains moist environment
Promotes epithelialisation & granulation
Absorbs excess exudate
Prevents maceration of surrounding skin
Allows gaseous exchange
Oā and COā permeability
Provides thermal insulation
Maintains wound temperature ~37Ā°C
Impermeable to bacteria
Barrier to external contamination
Non-adherent & atraumatic
No damage on removal
Sterile & non-toxic
Biocompatible, non-allergenic
Cost-effective
Available, easy to apply & remove