Looking for a dressing that will absorb large amounts of drainage? Alginate dressings are capable of absorbing up to 20 times their weight in fluid! In this article, we will discuss the indications and advantages of using these dressings.
Product Overview
Alginate dressings, as their name implies, are derived from brown seaweed. They are composed mainly of alginic acid, which is then converted into calcium and sodium salts (water-insoluble and water soluble, respectively). These dressings are composed of soft fibers shaped as pads or ropes. When these dressings come in contact with moisture, they absorb the moisture, forming a gel that helps to maintain a moist wound environment.
Indications
- Partial or full-thickness wounds
- Wounds that have moderate to heavy drainage
- Tunnelling wounds
- Infected wounds (also noninfected wounds)
- Moist yellow or red wounds
Contraindications
- Wounds with light exudate (may dehydrate the wound)
- Wounds with dry eschar (may dehydrate the wound)
Advantages
- Can conform to the wound shape
- Can absorb up to 20 times their weight
- Aid in autolytic debridement
- Useful to fill in dead space
- Easy to remove, non-sticking
- Comfortable for the patient
Disadvantages
- Can dry out the wound bed, which may delay healing
- Require a secondary dressing, adding to the expense of using alginate dressings
A secondary dressing is often necessary to help the dressing stay in place. Petrolatum gauzes or foams help prevent the alginate dressing from drying out. A nonoccluding dressing should be used if the wound is infected, allows visualization and monitoring of the wound. When the alginate has formed a gel, it can be easily removed; if it is difficult to remove, it may indicate that the wound bed is too dry.
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Source:
Hess, Cathy. When to use alginate dressings. Advances in Skin and Wound Care, May/June 2000.
