N-A dressing
N-A dressing
non-adherent wound dressing (see Table 1)| Dressing Type | Features | Indicated Use |
| Primary Wound-Dressing Films | ||
| Semi-permeable adhesive film | Non-absorbent Non-adherent to wound surface Gas and water vapour permeable, but impermeable to water Non-shedding Transparent, allowing observation of wound | Low exudating wounds |
| Perforated film, absorbent | Low adherence (absorbent pad covered by perforated film) | Low exudating wounds |
| Low-adherent Wound Contact Layers | ||
| Unmedicated viscose | Non-absorbent; non-shedding | Non-adherent primary dressing |
| Medicated tulle | Low-adherent polyethylene glycol or paraffin impregnated tulle incorporating an antiseptic (e.g.: chlorhexidine gluconate; iodine) | Topical antisepsis |
| Semi-permeable hydrogels | Hydrophilic polymers in either sheet or amorphous formulations Highly absorbent Gas permeable, but impermeable to water Dressing surface may dry out, and thus requires rehydration with saline | Removal of slough Rehydration of dry, necrotic tissue to allow its later sharp debridement Absorption of heavy exudation Carrier of topical antimicrobials (e.g.: metronidazole) |
| Hydrocolloids | Interactive (form a gel when in contact with wound surface) Usually formulated with an occlusive, water-repellent backing Promote an acidic and hypoxic wound environment, and facilitates neoangiogenesis | Not suitable for infected wounds Maintain a moist, temperature controlled wound environment |
| Alginates | Seaweed derivatives which form a hydrophilic gel in contact with the wound surface Require irrigation to remove from wound surface | Absorption of exudation Moisten with saline before application |
| Polyurethane foams | Smooth low-adherent wound contact layer backed with hydrophobic foam Highly gas-permeable Maintain a moist wound environment and good thermal insulation | Absorption of moderate exudation Outer layer prevents ‘strike through’ |
| Silver agents | Silver ions impregnated into dressing Antibacterial action | Topical antisepsis, including resistant forms |