Selection and Application of Silicone Foam Dressing

Foam dressings have been widely used in wound management since the 1970s. The wound healing is a physiological process, so the overall health status of patients is important. The comprehensive assessment is an important part of the wound care process, which helps us determine the cause of the wound and the treatment measures we need to take. Doctors can't heal wounds, patients themselves are the key.

 

However, the patient education is the key point to create an effective wound healing environment. For example: Explain the application and effects of dressings and other products to the patient, such as the role of pressure bandages in the treatment of venous ulcers of the lower extremities, or how can decompression devices and equipment help patients with pressure ulcers decompress.

 

Ⅰ. The foam silicone dressing is generally soft, flexible, well compliant, and non-adhesive to the wound

 

Its main function is to absorb exudates and maintain wet healing environment. Silicone absorbent dressings are made in different shapes and sizes to suit various anatomical sites and wound conditions, and they are divided into two types: non-adhesive type and adhesive type. Dressings without adhesive edges should be fixed with tape or bandages, while foam dressings with adhesive edges can be adhered to and fixed with the skin around the wound, but the surrounding skin must be complete. Special-shaped foam dressings are usually adhesive and are used for special anatomical sites, such as the sacral tail, elbows or heels. Most of the foam dressings are flaky, and there are also a small number of dressings for cavity wounds in strips or other shapes. Foam dressings can be used as one or two layers of dressings.

 

Ⅱ. The effective application process of foam silicone dressings

 

1. Evaluate the surrounding skin before using to determine if a skin protection product is necessary to be used;

 

2. Choose the right size, which the absorption part should be about 2 cm beyond the wound;

 

3. Select specifications of dressings according to the amount of exudates and manufacturer parameters;

 

4. For awkward anatomical sites, the dressing can be cut, but must be properly fixed. Make sure the sizes of the silicone absorbent dressing after cutting is larger than the area of the wound;

 

5. Select suitable products with adhesive edges. If using a foam dressing with adhesive edge, make sure the foam silicone dressing is used for a long time enough, because the dressing will become less sticky over time, it will reduce the risk of stretching damage to the skin when the dressing is removed, so adhesive dressings should be avoid to be changed frequently;

 

6. For fragile peripheral skin that is vulnerable, it can consider dressings with silicone adhesive edges;

 

7. Foam dressings removing should be atraumatic. If the dressing is adhered to the wound, then the moisture of the wound bed is insufficient and the wound should be re-evaluated;

 

8. The foam silicone absorbent dressing can be used for a long time, when the exudate imprinting is close to the edge of the absorption part (1-2 cm), it should be replaced in time;

 

9. The foam dressing can be used for at least three days and up to seven days. If the exudate is too much, it must be replaced daily, it is better to choose a more absorptive dressing;

 

10. When removing foam dressings with sticky edges, make sure don't tear it directly backwards. On the contrary, one hand should be held on the one side of the silicone foam adhesive dressing while the other hand pulls horizontally on the dressing and slowly uncovers the dressing; If necessary, use warm water at first;

 

11. Foam dressings can be used in wound beds of excessive granulation hyperplasia, and the pressure applied by the dressing can help suppress the excessive growth of granulation.

 

The foam silicone dressing is one of the most commonly used dressings for exudation management. Because it's easy to be used and has high comfort level for patients, patients are prone to accept it. However, in order to get the maximum impact, the wound professional knowledge must be needed, and evaluate the patient and wound thoroughly so that the most suitable dressing can be selected. The successful wound healing not only requires effective management of wounds, but also depends on the improvement of the patient's own health condition.

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