Wound dressings

Capable of maintaining a high humidity at the wound site while removing excess exudate Free of particles and toxic wound contaminants Non-toxic and non-allergenic Capable of protecting the wound from further trauma Can be removed without causing trauma to the wound Impermeable to bacteria Thermally insulating Will allow gaseous exchange Comfortable and conformable Require only infrequent changes Cost effective Long shelf life Occlusive dressings are thought to increase cell proliferation and activity by retaining an optimum level of wound exudate, which contains vital proteins and cytokines produced in response to injury. Hydrocolloids This is the ninth in a series of 12 articles Modern dressing technology is based on the principle of creating and maintaining a moist wound environment Sodium carboxymethylcellulose, gelatin, pectin, elastomers, and adhesives are bonded to a carrier of semipermeable film or a foam sheet to produce a flat, occlusive, adhesive dressing that forms a gel on the wound surface, promoting moist wound healing.