| Foams |
Some contain a silicone layer to make them non-adherent |
Allow large quantities of fluid and drained material from wounds to be absorbed |
| Generally made from hydrophilic polyurethane |
Provide padding and protection for wounds |
| Nonocclusive |
Depending on the amount of exudate, they may be left in place for up to 7 days |
| Semipermeable surface, allowing drainage of exudate / humidity |
Some require secondary dressings to be fixed in place |
| Dressings with borders can sometimes be very adhesive and should be used with caution |
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Hydrogels
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Made of insoluble polymers that expand on contact with water and hydrate the wounds |
For wounds with little or no exudate |
| Provide autolytic debridement |
Due to their hydration capacity, they have a cooling effect and may help to relieve pain, itching and discomfort |
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Alginates (calcium or calcium / sodium)
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Made with non-woven fibers from seaweed |
Have no effect on dry wounds or scabs |
| They turn into a non-sticky gel when in contact with the material drained from the wound |
Calcium alginate dressings release calcium ions which help to stop bleeding |
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Hydrofibers
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Made from sodium carboxymethylcellulose which, when in contact with the drained material, becomes a gel and provides moisture |
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| More absorbent than alginate dressings |
| Valid option for wounds with drainage of thick material |
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Absorbent pads
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Thin layer of absorbent cotton fibers that are placed between layers of polyethylene terephthalate with perforations and sealed borders |
Relatively inexpensive and non-adherent |
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Plastic filmthat prevents adherence of the dressing to the wound surface. They have a perforated surface, allowing the passage of exudate into the dressing |
If there is significant bleeding or exudate, the dressing will adhere |
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Contact layers
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Inert protection material, which allows the non-traumatic removal of the dressing |
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Biosynthetic cellulose
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Dressing composed of cellulose, water, 0.085% chlorhexidine gluconate (preservative), which has the capacity to both absorb and provide moisture |
Also considered a cooling dressing, it helps reduce pain and provides hydration for injuries |
| They can also reduce the itching |
