The key role of an absorbant dressing is to absorb and retain exudate. Most absorbant dressings consist of an absorbant material that may have an adhesive border.Absorbant dressings with an adhesive border are ideal for use as a protective dressings and for lightly exuding wounds. Many also have a waterproof covering.The more thicker absorbant dressings are suitable for use on chronic, heavily exuding wounds.Use of creams and ointments may interfere with the absorbancy ability of these dressing.
Foam Dressings are made from Polyurethane, Polyvinyl alchol or Silicone.Foam dressings help maintain a moist wound healing environment and can also act a protective cushion for fragile skin. Foam dressings come either with or without an adhesive border and in a wide array of sizes and shapes.Additionally, some foam dressings also contain anti-microbials such as manuka honey, silver and iodine.They are generally easy to apply and remove.Depending on the level of exudate, foam dressings can remain in place for up to 7 days. Foam Dressings are suitable for use on exuding wounds.They are not advisable to use on dry wounds.
Melolin dressing is a low-adherent absorbent perforated plastic film dressing that is designed for the management of different wounds such as surgical wounds, abrasions, and minor burns. It consists of a poly film onto which an absorbent layer is bonded that contains a mixture of cotton and polyacrylonitrile fibres and is backed with a layer of an apertured non-woven cellulose fabric. The plastic film prevents the dressing from sticking to the wound surface and also helps decrease trauma for casualty upon removal. If backed with a second absorbent dressing, this dressing can be used as a primary wound contact layer for heavily exudating wounds. It offers patients comfort and is safe to use. This dressing can be secured in place with surgical tape. This dressing is available as 5cm x 5cm, 10cm x 10cm and 10cm x 20cm.
