Applications and Tips of Alginate Dressings

Alginate dressings have good absorbability and compliance, and have a wide range of applications. They can be used for the treatment of various wounds, such as full-thickness or partial skin defects that contain carrion and necrotic tissue, including infected wounds and wounds with sneaking or sinus tracts. The gel formed after absorbing the exudate will form a good moist environment in the wound area and promote the autolytic debridement of the wound and the growth of granulation tissue.

1. The suitable group of the alginate dressing

The formation of the gel depends on sufficient liquid, so antimicrobial alginate dressings cannot be used for wounds with little exudation and wounds covered with necrotic tissue crusts. Alginate dressings containing silver ions have both high absorbency and anti-infection effects and are very suitable for infected wounds with more exuding, such as pressure sore wounds.

For shallow wounds and severely exuding wounds, such as leg ulcers, sheet dressings can be used. For cavity wounds, strip alginate dressings should be selected. For epithelial wounds, alginate dressings are better than fiber dressings, because it is easier to remove without causing pain. Alginate dressings cannot be used for patients with burns above the third degree. Alginate dressings can be used in combination with other dressings, such as hydrocolloid dressings, foam dressings and charcoal (to control odor), and silver ion dressings. There are composite dressings on the market, but even if they don't, they can be easily prepared clinically.

2. The role of alginate dressings

Because the alginate dressing has a certain hemostatic effect, and the dressing will swell after absorbing the exudate, it has been used for nasal packing after nasal surgery many years ago, instead of gauze, which greatly improves the comfort of patients. At that time, in order to easily remove the dressing, the clinician first wrapped the antimicrobial alginate dressing with silk thread to strengthen its structure, and the duration of use generally did not exceed 24 hours, which achieved good effects. This technique is still used in many hospitals.

3. Tips for using alginate dressings

(1) Cover with two-layer dressing.

(2) Do not artificially soak the alginate dressing before use, such as soaking with normal saline.

(3) Do not use in combination with hydrogel dressings.

(4) If an alginate dressing containing silver is used, the dressing must be removed when undergoing an MRI examination.

(5) If the wound is relatively dry, and the dressing is not glued or adhered to the wound, remove it after soakeing with saline.

(6) Do not use too much dressing when filling the wound, so as not to affect the wound healing.

(7) After each change of the antimicrobial alginate dressing, the wound must be washed with saline.