Wound dressings are sometimes described as passive, active, or interactive. While passive wound dressings simply serve a protective function, active dressings actually promote healing through the creation of a moist wound environment. Interactive wound dressings, on the other hand, not only create a moist wound environment but also interact with the wound bed components to…

Gauze has been used as a wound dressing for centuries, and continues to be the most readily available wound dressing in use today. A wide variety of gauze dressings are available, with choices to be made between sterile and non-sterile types, gauzes with and without an adhesive border, and woven and non-woven gauze dressings. Woven…

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…

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 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…

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 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…