Polyacrylate-Containing Dressings

Polyacrylate-containing dressings can be thought of as a new-and-improved version of the now virtually obsolete wet-to-dry dressings of old. Using a mechanism that ensures the continuous moistening of the wound bed, combined with the ability to draw out exudate and facilitate debridement of wounds, these dressings can be used on a variety of hard-to-heal wounds.

Product Overview

The inner lining of polyacrylate-containing dressings contains a polymer which has the ability to attract large molecule proteins, such as those found in necrotic tissue, microorganisms and wound debris. These large molecules of debris are pulled in and trapped in the dressing’s core, releasing Ringer’s lactate solution containing a delicate balance of electrolytes which nourishes and moistens the wound bed, while avoiding damaging delicate new tissue.

Indications

  • Stage 2-4 pressure ulcers
  • Surgical wounds, even those requiring packing
  • Diabetic wounds
  • Infected wounds (E. coli, C. albicans, S, aureus, P. aeruginosa)
  • 1st and 2nd degree burns
  • Wounds with light to moderate amounts of exudate
  • Dry wounds
  • Leg ulcers
  • Partial- and full-thickness wounds

Contraindications

  • Wounds that are highly exudative

Advantages

  • Assists in debridement of necrotic wounds
  • Absorbs and traps pathogens in its core
  • Contains physiologically compatible solution composed of electrolytes to nourish the wound bed
  • Provides an effective barrier against pathogens
  • Can be left on up to 24 hours
  • Keeps wound bed moist
  • Can be used with compression and still absorb large amounts of exudate
  • Will not stick to the wound bed; is easy to remove
  • Has a strike-through barrier

Disadvantages

  • May require a secondary dressing
  • May be more expensive that some dressings that can be left on longer than the recommended 24 hours
  • May not be as effective in older persons who have less responsive immune systems

This article concludes our series on dressing types. We hope that you have found these articles informative and helpful to your daily practice. If you wish to learn more about becoming certified as a wound care specialist, please visit www.woundeducators.com.