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READ A COMPLETE GUIDE ON WOUND DRESSING
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Introduction
When there is any injury or damage to the skin because of cuts, scrapes, scratches, abrasions, punctures or burns becomes a wound.The procedure performed to keep the wound clean, covered, and protected is called "wound dressing."
Why is wound care required?
In India, the prevalence of wounds in the population studied was 15.03 per 1000. The prevalences of acute and chronic wounds were 10.55 and 4.48 per 1000 in the population, respectively. The most common site for both acute and chronic wounds was the lower extremity. The slow healing process of an acute wound tends to make it a chronic wound.
According to research, the aging population is diabetic, obese, and hypertensive, and those with vascular disease and immunocompromised are contributing factors to the rising need for wound care and should be treated immediately and vigorously to maximize healing and improve their quality of life.
Purpose of Wound Dressing
  • Promote wound healing
  • Keep the wound clean and warm
  • Provide a moist environment to optimize re-epithelialization.
  • Provide a protective physical barrier by covering the wound
  • Absorb the wound drainage
  • Hydrate the wound if it is dry or desiccated
  • Protect the surrounding wound area
  • Prevents dryness of the wound
  • Help in debridement
  • Provide compression
  • Aid in speedy recovery
  • For What Types of Wounds Is Dressing Required?
  • Acute Wounds: Wounds that are expected to go through the normal and sequential healing process and result in healing and closure of the wound. These wounds tend to heal within a short duration, without complications. E.g. Surgical Wounds and traumatic wounds.
  • Chronic wounds: Wounds that do not advance through the normal and orderly healing process thereby failing to repair and restore the functional integrity of the skin. These wounds take many weeks or even months to heal and may lead to many secondary complications. E.g. Venous ulcers and arterial ulcers, Diabetic ulcers/neuropathy ulcers, Pressure ulcers/bedsores, etc.
  • How can skilled nurses aid in wound healing?
    Skilled nurses play a vital role in facilitating wound healing through their expertise in wound care. They begin by meticulously assessing wounds, determining their type, size, and underlying causes, all while evaluating the stage of wound healing and looking out for signs of infection. Nurses excel in wound cleaning and debridement, creating a clean and optimal environment for tissue repair. Infection control is a top priority, as they monitor for any signs of infection, administer antibiotics when necessary, and educate patients on proper wound care.
    Table Of Contents
    1. Introduction
    2. Why is wound care required?
    3. Purpose of Wound dressing
    4. For what types of wounds Is dressing required?
    5. How can skilled nurses aid in wound healing?
    6. Types of Wound Care Dressing
    7. Benefits of wound dressing at home
    Types Of Wound Care Dressing
  • Alginate dressing: A dry form to absorb wound fluid used for moderate to heavy wound
  • Tulle: A non-adherent dressing impregnated with paraffin.
  • Collagen: For burns, severe and thick wounds
  • Plastic film dressing: To absorb exudates and hold thedressing in place
  • Foam dressing: For moderate to heavy exudate wound
  • Hydrogel dressing used for dry and painful wounds
  • Hydrocolloid dressing: used for necrotic and granularsounds
  • Benefits of Wound Dressing At Home
    Home wound dressing can offer several advantages to patients in the right circumstances. This approach provides convenience, as individuals can receive wound care within the familiar and comfortable surroundings of their homes, reducing the need for frequent hospital or clinic visits and the associated financial costs. Moreover, by avoiding healthcare facilities, there's a decreased risk of exposure to hospital-acquired infections. Patients may feel more in control of their care, experience emotional support from family and caregivers, and benefit from personalized care plans tailored to their unique needs.
    References
    1. Negut I, Grumezescu V, Grumezescu AM. Treatment Strategies for Infected Wounds. Molecules. 2018 Sep 18;23(9):2392. doi: 10.3390/molecules23092392. PMID: 30231567; PMCID: PMC6225154.
    2. Obagi Z, Damiani G, Grada A, Falanga V. Principles of Wound Dressings: A Review. Surg Technol Int. 2019 Nov 10;35:50-57. PMID: 31480092.
    3. Ward J, Holden J, Grob M, Soldin M. Management of wounds in the community: five principles. Br J Community Nurs. 2019 Jun 1;24(Sup6):S20-S23. doi: 10.12968/bjcn.2019.24.Sup6.S20. PMID: 31166795.
    4. Wicke C, Bachinger A, Coerper S, Beckert S, Witte MB, Königsrainer A. Aging influences wound healing in patients with chronic lower extremity wounds treated in a specialized wound care centre. Wound Repair Regen. 2009;17:25–33.
    4. Gupta N, Gupta SK, Shukla VK, Singh SP. An Indian community-based epidemiological study of wounds. J Wound Care. 2004 Sep;13(8):323-5. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2004.13.8.26657. PMID: 15469216.