Mountain View Medical Supply

Monday, May 3, 2010

Better Living Corner - Wound Care Supplies

In most homes, we all have bandaids, antibiotic ointment and maybe a roll of gauze and tape. That is the extent of the "wound care" section in the medicine cabinet.

Sunny asked: My son had a doozy of a bicycle accident. Our doctor sent us home all bandaged up, but I need more than the basic supplies. What wound care supplies are available?

We answered: Wound care has come a long way and there is a wide array of products available for wounds from burns to lacerations and major road rash.

Here is a basic rundown on Wound Care Supplies:

Adhesive Tapes come in elastic/stretchy, cloth, paper, plastic, breathable, see-through and with or without strong adhesion.

DuoDerm Dressing is a hydrocolloid/gel forming agent and is moisture retentive for high exudating wounds (leaking).

Gauze Pads & Drain Sponges are available in a wide variety of styles and types and are absorbent for different types of exudation. There literally is something for everything available these days!

Hydropolymer or Hydrogel Dressing is an "island dressing" with an adhesive border and central foam to absorb exudate.

Non-Adherent Dressings use no adhesive and the contact layer will not stick to the wound. These require some other form of retention such as tape.

Packing Strips can be impregnated with iodoform solution and are used for nasal passages, drain wicks or packing deep wounds.

Self Adherent Wrap is elastic wrap that functions as tape but only sticks to itself, not the skin.

Self Adherent Dressings are used for longer term coverage and protection, adhere to the skin and are either absorbent island style or transparent and breathable.

Of course this is just a simple breakdown of what is available! For more information or for help in finding the right wound care supplies for you, call us at 800-873-7121 or visit our website! We are happy to help you find what you need!

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