Table 1.

Advanced wound dressings.

Protective dressings	Notes
Gauze	Inexpensive; readily available
Impregnated gauze	Nonadherent; preserves moisture
Antimicrobial dressings
Antibacterial ointments	Reapply often to maintain moisture
Iodine based	Absorbent; not for use with thyroid disorders
Silver based	Many forms; broad spectrum; low resistance
Autolytic debridement
Films	Occlusive; allows exchange of gasses
Hydrocolloids	Not for exudative or infected wounds
Hydrogels	Rehydrates to soften dry wounds
Chemical debridement
Papain/urea	Availability issues in US
Collagenase	Selective debridement
Absorbent dressings
Foam	Absorbs moderate exudate
Hydrogels	Absorbs minimal exudate
Hydrofibers	Absorbs heavy exudate
Alginates	Absorbs heavy exudate