Four Main Types of Wound Dressings | OVIK Health

OVIK Health – Four Main Types of Wound Dressings

Whether you’re a healthcare professional seeking the latest medical advancements, a caregiver navigating wound management, or a patient on a healing journey, understanding different types of wound dressings and their proper use is vital for healthy recoveries. Yet, finding simple guidelines in a world full of recommendations can be challenging. We’re here to break it down for you. Wound dressings are most effective when used for a specific type of wound. Each dressing has its own best application, allowing it to promote healing most effectively. The following information will describe various wound dressings, helping you achieve optimal patient care and understand when they are ideal to use.

Four Key Types of Wound Care Dressings:

While there is a vast array of bandages and types of wound dressings available, the below is a sampling of options. However, rather than self-diagnosing a severe injury or chronic wound, always consult a healthcare professional to ensure proper care.

What are Contact Layer Dressings?

A contact layer is a non-adherent, thin liner placed on the wound to protect against additional trauma. These contact layers mold to the shape of a wound and are permeable, allowing fluid to pass through to an overlying, secondary dressing. They provide a supportive layer to protect delicate healing tissue which reduces pain during dressing changes and prevents newly formed tissue from sticking to the dressing. Some examples of OVIK’s contact layer dressings are TRITEC® and TRITEC® Silver.

Indications for Use:

  • Wound-bed protection
  • Skin tears
  • Scar management
  • Securing secondary dressings and tubes

What are Foam Dressings?

Foam dressings are soft and gentle materials typically made of polyurethane foam. They are designed to maintain moisture in the wound area while creating a solid barrier against harmful bacteria. They are typically utilized for moderate to severe wounds. Some examples of OVIK’s foam dressings are ULTRA, ULTRA Silver, and ULTRA Border.
  • Pressure ulcers
  • Minor burns
  • Skin grafts
  • Diabetic ulcers
  • Venus leg ulcers
  • Surgical wounds
  • Traumatic wounds
  • Skin tears
  • Fistulas

What are Gellable Fiber Dressings?

Gellable fiber dressings are flexible, absorbent wound covers that help drain and remove dead, damaged, and infected tissue from the wound. Gel forms when wound fluid absorbs into the dressing, helping to maintain an optimal environment for wound healing and the development of granulation tissue. Gellable fiber dressings are vital for regulating a wound’s moisture to ensure proper healing. OVIK’s gellable fiber dressing is AGILE™.

Indications for Use:

  • Chronic wounds
  • Acute wounds
  • Partial- or full-thickness wounds
  • Ulcers
  • Pressure Injuries
  • Burns

What are Silver Dressings?

Silver wound dressings contain silver, a natural antimicrobial agent that can help block and treat wound infections. Silver can be present in diverse forms, including ions, particles, or compounds, and these dressings are available as gels, foams, and films. It is important to note that the extended use of silver wound dressings may cause silver toxicity, which can lead to skin discoloration, impede wound healing, and other detrimental effects. Therefore, silver wound dressings should always be used under the instruction of a medical professional or wound care specialist. Some examples of OVIK’s silver dressings are ULTRA Silver, TRITEC® Silver, ASSIST Silver, and ASSIST® Silver Absorbent.

Indications for Use:

  • Infected wounds
  • Chronic wounds
  • Burn wounds
  • Surgical wounds
  • Trauma wounds

Trust OVIK Health with All Your Wound Care Dressing Needs

OVIK Health helps you achieve optimal patient care through wound dressings that complement your existing treatments and processes. Contact us to connect with an expert for more information or to purchase wound dressing products. Visit our medical care webpage to learn more about our wound care offerings.

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