Alginates |
Highly absorbent with bacteriostatic and haemostats properties. |
Useful in cavitating lesions. |
Foam dressing |
Moderately absorbent with thermal insulation properties. |
Used in light and heavy exudative wounds. |
Hydrocolloids |
Absorbent and aids rehydration and autolysis. Promotes granulation. |
Useful for dry, sloughy, necrotic wounds. Avoid use on infected wounds. |
Hydrogels |
Absorbent, donates liquid and aids autolysis. |
Useful for dry, sloughy, necrotic wounds. Avoid in concurrent/suspected infection. |
Iodine preparations |
Moderately absorbent with antiseptic properties. |
Discolours wound. Avoid in case of iodine allergy, pregnancy or thyroid disease. |
Low-adherence |
Minimally absorbent with hypoallergenic properties. |
Standard diabetic ulcer treatment. Often use in conjunction with anti-microbials. |
Silver-impregnated |
Absorbent with anti-septic properties. |
Useful for infected diabetic foot ulcers. Avoid in known sensitivities to silver. |