Hydrogel Dressings

Hydrogels are one of the most versatile dressings on the market. Consisting of 80% to 99% water or glycerin, hydrogels absorb minimal amounts of fluid but are able to donate moisture to dry wounds. Hydrogels consist of three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers and are available in two forms: amorphous and fixed. Amorphous hydrogels offer gentle…

Hydrocolloid Dressings

Hydrocolloids are occlusive or semi-occlusive dressings consisting of a combination of gel-forming polymers that absorb exudate slowly by swelling into a gel-like mass. Hydrocolloids have different absorption capabilities depending on their thickness and composition. Upon removal, a residue commonly remains within the wound bed, which is often mistaken as a sign of infection. Although sometimes…

Transparent Film Dressings

Transparent film dressings are thin, flexible sheets of clear polyurethane incorporating an adhesive coating on one side to allow adherence to the skin. The adhesive reacts with wound fluid to prevent adhesion to the wound bed, while allowing the dressing to stick to the dry, periwound skin. Film dressings are highly elastic and conformable to…

Foam Dressings

Foams are absorbent dressings that are available either in adhesive or non-adhesive form. They are often used as a primary dressing, but may also be used as a secondary dressings in some circumstances. Some foam dressings are thin, while others are thicker and provide greater cushioning and absorption. Foams are formed from polymers, such as…

Alginate Wound Dressings

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Alginate dressings are made from natural polysaccharide fibers that are derived from processed seaweed. These non-woven, non-adhesive dressings are highly absorbent, soft, and conformable. They are easy to pack, tuck or apply over wounds of irregular shapes. Because they have no adhesive properties, secondary dressings must be used to secure alginate dressings. Alginate dressings are…

Clinical Presentation of Arterial Ulcers

Clinical Presentation of Arterial Ulcers

Arterial ulcers are almost always located in the lower extremities; because of the increased distance blood must travel to reach those areas. Arterial insufficiency ulcers are commonly located on the toes, either dorsally or distally. Trauma is a leading precipitating factor in arterial- ulcer development, so potential causes of trauma should be assessed for ulcers…

Pressure Ulcer Stages

Pressure Ulcer Stages

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The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel has redefined the definition of a pressure ulcer and the stages of pressure ulcers, including the original 4 stages and adding 2 stages on deep tissue injury and unstageable pressure ulcers.    Pressure Ulcer Stages Stage I – A stage I pressure ulcer presents as intact skin with non-blanchable redness…

6 Reasons Why to Get Wound Care Certified

The career possibilities for practicing nurses have never been greater or more exciting. The potential to study and specialize in your own area of interest allows you to develop your skills in that area, improve your job satisfaction, and shape your own career. Nurses: Why Wound Certification is Right for You The continuing increase in…

Venous Ulcers

Venous ulcers can be debilitating, painful, and challenging to treat for healthcare professionals. It is reported that between 10 and 35% of the population has some form of venous disease and that 80 to 95% of leg ulcers are a result of chronic venous disease (Kline & Sieggreen, 2004). What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency? Chronic…