Wound Care - Part I: A practical approach to local wound care and dressing selection.

Abstract

Dermatologists have expertise in the diagnosis and management of many ulcerative conditions. Unfortuntately, dermatology training often does not provide substantial teaching or hands-on experience in wound care. Proper wound management first relies on correctly identifying the underlying cause of a wound, as well as any other patient-specific factors that may impede healing. These factors help determine the appropriate wound care techniques and dressings required. The main categories of dressings include films, foams, alginates, hydrogels, hydrocolloids, gelling fibers and super-absorbents. For critically colonized wounds, or wounds at higher risk for infection, an antimicrobial-impregnated dressing may be utilized. Highly exudative wounds require absorptive dressings, whereas dry wounds require dressings that provide and maintain moisture. Importantly, addressing patient-specific concerns, such as frequency of dressing changes, cost, ease of application and comfort, is essential in patient adherence and overall quality of life. This report provides guidance of the clinical assessment of wounds, key considerations in dressing selection based on wound characteristics, as well as a summary of traditional wound dressings and their indications.