Search Results for: wound bed

Wound Modalities Utilized in Wound Care: Promising Modalities Used Less Commonly

Wound Modalities Utilized in Wound Care: Promising Modalities Used Less Commonly

In this series, we have been focusing on wound care modalities that are commonly used in wound care management. Now we turn our focus to lesser known and less common wound care tactics. Monochromatic Infrared Energy (MIRE) Monochromatic Infrared Energy (MIRE) involves the delivery of near-infrared energy to the skin using diode pads. This therapy…

Modalities Utilized in Wound Healing: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)

Modalities Utilized in Wound Healing: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)

Negative pressure wound therapy, also known as NPWT, is a relatively new modality in wound healing; however, there is much evidence, both scientific and anecdotal, to support its use. Let’s take a look at how negative pressure wound therapy works and why it is increasingly being used for wounds that have failed to heal using…

Modalities Utilized in Wound Healing: Electrical Stimulation

Modalities Utilized in Wound Healing: Electrical Stimulation

Electrical stimulation is a relatively new phenomenon in wound care. While some studies have shown little to no improvement with the use of electrical stimulation, many other studies have found that wound healing may be greatly enhanced with the use of this modality. Functions How does electrical stimulation aid in wound healing? The following are…

Modalities Utilized in Wound Healing: Pulsed Lavage

Modalities Utilized in Wound Healing: Pulsed Lavage

In the last segment, we discussed whirlpool treatments; however, in some cases whirlpool is not convenient or available. When whirlpool is not an option, pulsed lavage with or without suction may be used. Functions Pulsed lavage uses a wound irrigant under pressure, which is powered by an electronic device, to irrigate and cleanse the wound….

Modalities Utilized in Wound Healing- Whirlpool

Modalities Utilized in Wound Healing- Whirlpool

Continuing on in our series on modalities used in wound management, this week we’ll cover whirlpool, including its indications, contraindications and advantages over other wound care modalities. Functions of Whirlpool Whirlpool was initially reserved as a method of debridement for patients who had suffered burns. Today, whirlpool is used much more extensively and serves a…

Modalities Utilized in Wound Healing- Wound Irrigation

Modalities Utilized in Wound Healing- Wound Irrigation

Although not a true modality, wound irrigation is a common treatment that serves multiple purposes. Let’s look at some of the ways in which wound irrigation can be used to enhance wound healing. Functions of Wound Irrigation Wound irrigation serves many important functions: removes cellular debris that is loosely adherent remove surface bacteria removes wound…

Skin and Periwound Care- Part 2

Skin and Periwound Care- Part 2

In part 1, we discussed the risk factors contributing to periwound breakdown. Now let’s turn our attention to prevention. Prevention of Periwound Damage There are five keys to preventing periwound damage. These are: Identifying patients at high risk for periwound skin damage (discussed in part 1 https://woundeducators.com/periwound-care/) Minimizing contact of the periwound skin with wound drainage…

The Continuum of Wound Dressings: Silver Dressings

The Continuum of Wound Dressings: Silver Dressings

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

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…