Foam Dressings, Antimicrobial Bandages, Silver Foam Dressing

What is a Foam Dressing?

A foam dressing is a type of bandage that gives the airflow and protection that is needed to speed up wound healing. The porous foam surface of the material creates a moist environment which enables the body to heal itself naturally. Medical grade plastic polymer foams are used to make dressings of various thicknesses and sizes to provide proper coverage for most skin injuries. Some dressing products come in prepared sizes that are complete with a self-adhesive plastic or a fabric outer layer which holds the foam onto the wound and is still fully breathable. Other foam dressing products are packaged separately in square pads or rolls that can be custom trimmed for specific needs and attached with flexible medical tape.

A wound that is healing generally needs regular bandage changes and cleaning in order to grow new tissue and avoid the risk of infection. When a wound is left uncovered between cleanings, it may dry out and form a hard, painful scab. Keeping the wound moist with a foam dressing makes it less painful to peel away the old layers of the dressing when it is being replaced. Foam dressings that allow air to pass, help regulate the moisture levels at the wound site. This promotes healing and prevents tissue damage in the surrounding areas. Tiny holes in the foam act as an air filter to keep microscopic particles and debris out of the wound, yet let fresh air in.

Those who live active lifestyles often like foam dressing materials because of their ease of use and durability. Foam dressings are waterproof and safe to wear while exercising and in the shower, because they dry out quickly after getting wet. The flexible and strong foam stays in place and gives constant protection to areas of the body that are in motion. Foam dressing bandages often protect injuries on or near the joints, where skin is pulled and twisted by movement. The foam material moves with the skin without pulling away or tearing and exposing the wound. In order for contamination to be avoided, foam dressings should always be left sealed in the original packaging until just before applying. To make accidental contact with the wound site less painful, thicker dressings offer a layer of cushioning.

What is an Antimicrobial Dressing?

An antimicrobial dressing is a wound dressing that is made to help stop the growth of microbes in and around the wound. Such dressings are used in cases where there are concerns about infection and the care provider wants to limit opportunities for infectious agents to colonize a wound site as much as possible. There are a wide variety of antimicrobial dressings for use on different types of wounds. The dressing may have a fabric, sponge, foam, film, or gauze base and will be filled with an agent which helps stop microbial growth. This type can also be layered so the bandage can absorb fluids that seep from the wound and perform other functions such as keeping a wound hydrated.

The first step in using an antimicrobial dressing involves thoroughly cleaning the wound. This includes removing any dead tissue and irrigating the wound to remove any potential infectious agents. After cleaning, a topical solution can be applied if necessary. Follow this with the antimicrobial dressing which can be a self-adhesive type or taped down with a bandage tape. These types of bandages can be used on deep cuts, burn wounds, surgical sites, and the areas around sites of catheters and other tubes, such as a colostomy drainage site tube.

It is important that the bandages are regularly changed and the wound inspected. Because even an antimicrobial dressing can eventually fail if it is left in place too long and excretions from the wound accumulates. When the wound is inspected, it is also cleaned again so the fresh bandage is applied to a freshly cleaned wound site. This will flush away any microbes that are introduced during the dressing change.

The length of time needed between bandage changes varies. With an antimicrobial dressing or any other type of dressing there is a chance it may adhere to the wound, even when it is designed to limit sticking. When removing such bandages, be careful and pay close attention to the discomfort on the part of the individual which can indicate the bandage is sticking. It is also important that the bandage is kept out of water and other materials that may contaminate the wound.

What are the Steps to Proper Wound Care?

First, determine how severe the wound is. Abrasions and scrapes on the surface of the skin may only need home wound care. A visit to the doctor may be needed if the wound is a bite, or a cut or laceration that is over ½ inch long where fat, muscle or bone is seen. Also, professional medical attention is advised if bleeding spurts out and does not stop, the wound is cleaned but there is still dirt in it, or if there is redness that extends from the wound after a couple days. This could indicate an infection.

Next, clean the wound. Gently and carefully clean the wound to help prevent infection. Use a mild soap, rinse with water, and dry with clean gauze pads. Then, protect the wound from infection by covering it with a clean gauze or bandage. This will absorb the fluids, protect it from infection, and allow it to heal more effectively. Next, practice good wound maintenance by changing the dressing often and cleaning the wound at each dressing change until complete healing is acquired.

Rehabmart is pleased to carry a wide variety of foam dressings from high quality vendors, which include McKesson Medical-Surgical, Independence Medical, Medline, DeRoyal, BSN Medical, and Sammons Preston.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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