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Wound Bed Preparation – TIME Mnemonic

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As we have seen, the TIME mnemonic can be used to capture the fundamental principles of wound bed preparation.1,2 Become a professional at appropriate dressing selection for the different stages of wound healing within the TIME trick. As no single wound dressing is suitable for all wound types or healing stages, wounds should be assessed…

Extremit-Ease: Not Your Mother’s Compression Garment

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Venous insufficiency is a common condition which results in edema due to elevated pressure within the capillary beds, as well as distention of the capillary beds. Venous insufficiency is often improved in the morning when the patient has been laying down all night, and worsens when the patient is up and the affected limb(s) are…

The Continuum of Wound Dressings- Charcoal Dressings and Their Use in Managing Odor

The Continuum of Wound Dressings- Charcoal Dressings and Their Use in Managing Odor

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Charcoal has been introduced into several classes of wound care dressings. Although charcoal in itself does not enhance wound healing, it can help to control odors associated with wounds, such as fungating and/or infected wounds. This is important, as wound malodor can be very upsetting for the patient: “Wound malodor is probably the most distressing symptom…

The Continuum of Wound Dressings: Silver Dressings

The Continuum of Wound Dressings: Silver Dressings

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It has long been known that silver is an effective antimicrobial. In fact, silver has been used as a topical antimicrobial agent for hundreds of years. In recent years, a large number of dressings containing silver compound or a compound that releases silver slowly over time have been developed, adding to the wound care dressing…

The Continuum of Wound Dressings- Hydrocolloids

The Continuum of Wound Dressings- Hydrocolloids

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In this series, we’ve been discussing the many different types of wound dressings, in terms of indications and precautions. Let’s continue with a discussion of hydrocolloid wound dressings Hydrocolloids Hydrocolloid wound dressings contain hydrophilic (absorbing or distilling in water) colloidal particles, such as pectin, carboxymethylcellulose or gelatin.  These dressings absorb fluid slowly and turn into…

The Continuum of Wound Care Dressings- Alginates and Composite Dressings

The Continuum of Wound Care Dressings- Alginates and Composite Dressings

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Continuing our review of dressings and their unique characteristics, let’s look at two other dressing types: alginates and composite dressings. Alginates Alginates are made from specific types of brown seaweed which contain alginic acid salts converted into sodium/calcium salts. They may be woven or nonwoven and look similar to cotton. These dressings, when placed in…

The Continuum of Wound Dressings – Hydrogels and Foams

The Continuum of Wound Dressings – Hydrogels and Foams

Continuing on in our discussion of wound dressings, let’s turn our attention to hydrogels and semipermeable foams. Hydrogels for Wound Care Hydrogels are water- or glycerin-based wound dressings that come in sheets, gels or impregnated gauzes. Hydrogels swell and are able to absorb small amounts of fluids. They are also able to add moisture to…

The Continuum of Wound Dressings- Semipermeable Film Dressings

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As you know, there are more than 3000 wound care products available on the market, which can make it very confusing for practitioners to choose the correct wound care product for their clients’ wounds. Let’s continue our discussion on the continuum of wound dressings. Semipermeable Film Dressings These dressings are thin and flexible and are…

MRSA Infected Wounds: A Study Involving Oakin® Antimicrobial Dressings

MRSA Infected Wounds: A Study Involving Oakin® Antimicrobial Dressings

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Wound care practitioners are no doubt aware that the incidence of MRSA infected wounds in the community is increasing, resulting in new challenges in wound management. A study that appeared in the Journal of Wound Care (February, 2014) describes a new approach to the treatment of wounds infected with MRSA using a dressing derived from…