| How do I choose the correct dressing for my wounds? |
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Question:
How do I choose the correct dressing for my wounds?
Answer:
Wound severity is classified into four stages. Below is a
table detailing the type of products used for different wound severity:
Stage 1
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Stage 2
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Stage 3
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Stage 4
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Reddened unbroken skin |
Blister/partial thickness skin loss |
Full thickness skin loss |
Full thickness skin loss involving
muscle/tendon/bone |
- Sprays (e.g. Opsitẻ)
- Adhesive bandages (e.g.
Hansaplast̉,
Primaporẻ)
- Transparent films (e.g.
Opsitẻ,
Tegaderm̉)
- Hydrogels (e.g. Duoderm̉,
Intrasitẻ)
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- Adhesive bandages
- Transparent films
- Occulsive wafers (e.g. Duoderm CGF̉)
- Calcium alginates for wounds with exudates
(e.g. Kaltostat̉)
- Polyurethane foams (e.g. Allevyn̉)
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- Occlusive wafers
- Calcium alginates (e.g. Kaltostat̉)
- Absorption dressings (e.g. Propax̉)
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For small lacerations or minor cuts, sprays or vapour
permeable transparent films which allow water vapour and oxygen transfer, but
not water or microbes, can be used. They are waterproof, comfortable and allow
easy observation of wound. It can also be used to protect fragile skin.
For less painful removal of wound dressing, tulles dressing
containing soft paraffin (e.g. Jelonet) may be used. They prevent fibres from
sticking to the wound if they are changed frequently and are usually used as
interface layers under absorbent dressings
Gauzes which contain thin perforated films also prevent
sticking of wound dressing onto the wound. Their use is limited to mild or
moderately pus producing wounds.
For treatment of more severe wound (stage 3 and 4) or usage
instruction of more specialized dressings, such as calcium alginates, please
refer to a health professional.
Source: Katrina Eng, Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Society of
Singapore
More information and advice can be obtained from your
pharmacist. Send your questions to sthealth@sph.com.sg.
Reference: Handbook of Non-Prescription Drugs: An
Integrated Approach to Self-Care 13th Edition
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