Table 4.

Overview of dressing types used in the treatment of diabetic foot infections.

Dressing type	Description	Suggestions for use
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.