Table 3.

Wound Dressings

Dressing	Type	Function and Use
Hydrocolloids	Occlusive	Autolytic debridement through endogenous proteolytic enzymes; not for use with infected wounds
Films, Foams, Alginates	Occlusive	Wounds kept moist through fluid entrapment; may result in skin tears and tissue maceration
Foams	Absorbant	Not as adherent as films; may need secondary dressing for reinforcement
Alginates	Absorbant	Made from seaweed; best for highly exudative wounds as may cause damage if dry in wound bed
Hydrogels	Hydrophilic polymers	Best for wounds that have formed granulation tissue