Wound care has been around for as long as humanity can remember. The ancient Egyptians used a paste of honey, grease, and lint to clean an open wound of debris and infection while also promoting healing. The ancient Greeks emphasised cleanliness and disinfected wounds using water, vinegar, or wine. Modern wound dressings are a far cry from these; they are far more effective at healing wounds than ever before.
Everything you need to know about wound dressings in the 21st Century
What are the qualities of the ideal wound dressing? In 2008, wound care experts came up with several performance requirements to ensure that the dressing creates an environment that supports healing:
- Primary requirements
The ideal dressing must be free of toxic or irritant substances. In addition, it must not release non-biodegradable fibres into the wound but rather form an effective bacterial barrier to prevent the transmission of microorganisms to and from the wound.
The dressing must also require minimal disturbance or replacement, protect the surrounding skin from exudate, and maintain an optimum temperature and pH for the wound.
- Secondary requirements
Modern wound dressings must also meet design requirements to enhance their effectiveness. For example, they should possess antimicrobial activity to prevent localised infection, odour-absorbing properties, and the ability to remove proteolytic enzymes from chronic wound fluid.
So, with all that said, what is the ideal dressing for wound care? Here are some common ingredients used by manufacturers:
- Alginate
Alginate dressings are composed of fibres from calcium or sodium alginate, formed into a loose fleece. These wound care products are known to absorb over 15 times their weight, making them ideal for wounds with moderate to heavy exudates, such as pressure ulcers, trauma wounds, and post-operative wounds.
- Hydrocolloid
Hydrocolloid dressings are one of the best options for moist wound healing. They protect uninfected wounds from the external environment while allowing the body’s enzymes to heal the area, ideal for injuries with medium thickness and little to no drainage.
- Silicone
Wound healing can be painful, especially when it’s time to change the dressing. Silicone dressings make wound healing more bearable, preventing trauma to the injured area. Overall, these dressings are best for patients with fragile skin, such as children and the elderly.
Are you looking for the best wound dressings in the 21st century? Make sure to purchase your wound care products from leading suppliers in the UK!
About The Author:
Wound-Care is a healthcare firm in the UK that specialises in the distribution of wound-care products. All of our dressings come from MHRA-approved suppliers in the UK. We ship to hospitals and health clinics all around the world.
