Overview
Clinicians use foam dressings to treat highly exuding wounds such as skin graft donor sites, venous leg ulcers, and pressure ulcers. Foam dressings promote a moist wound environment while absorbing fluid exudate.
Detailed Description
Foam dressings are usually constructed from hydrophilic polyurethane foam. Some dressings have multiple layers that assist in preventing contamination while absorbing fluid exudate from the wound bed.
Foam dressings absorb exudates that help to protect the skin around the wound from becoming too moist, which can lead to skin damage. The high-absorbency of foam dressings allows a patient to maintain longer intervals between dressing changes.
Clinicians may apply hydrophilic foam dressings in a care facility, or patients or caregivers may apply them at home. Because of their ultra-absorbency, the interval between changing the dressing can extend between three and four days. Hydrophilic foam dressings are available both as adhesive and non-adhesive dressings.
Last updated: 19-May-04
