Untangling Advanced Wound Care As the advanced wound care market grows more robust, it can be tough to keep up with product claims and features. To help you out, we created the quick reference guide below. All of the dressings listed should perform the following functions: remove excess exudates and toxic components; allow gaseous exchange; provide thermal insulation and protect against secondary infection. These dressings are often used with silver or other topical agents that limit infection and speed healing.1

Dressings at a Glance 1,2

Alginate Indications: Moderate to heavily draining wounds, partial- and full-thickness wounds, pressure ulcers (Stages III and IV), dermal wounds, surgical incisions or dehisced wounds, sinus tracts, tunnels, cavity wounds, infected wounds Features:   •  Hydrophilic gel is produced when alginate comes in contact with wound exudate   •  Can absorb up to 20 times its weight   •  Does not adhere to wound

Collagen Indications: Burns, grafts, any type of wound with light, moderate or heavy drainage Features:   •  Provides a moist healing environment   •  Some reduce destructive elements in wound fluid   •  Promote tissue granulation and epithelialization

Film Indications: Superficial wounds with little exudate; commonly used as secondary dressings to attach a primary absorbent dressing Features:   •  Permeable to gases and water vapor, but impermeable to wound fluids   •  Retain moisture and are impermeable to bacteria and other contaminants   •  Allow wound observation   •  Do not require a secondary dressing

Foam Indications: Partial-to full-thickness wounds with light to heavy exudate; frequently used under compression stockings to help treat venous leg ulcers Features:   •  Have small, open cells that hold fluids   •  Permeable to water and gas   •  Some have a waterproof top surface

Hydrocolloid Indications: Stage I-IV pressure ulcers, partial- and full-thickness wounds, dermal ulcers, necrotic wounds Features:   •  Adhesive, absorbent and elastomeric components   •  Form a gel upon contact with wound fluid   •  Facilitate autolytic debridement   •  Self-adhesive, mold well and minimize skin trauma and healing disruption   •  Can be used under compression wraps   •  Can be used as a preventive dressing for areas at high risk of friction

Hydrofiber Indications: Moderate to heavily draining wounds, partial- or full-thickness wounds, pressure ulcers (Stage III and IV), surgical wounds, donor sites, dehisced wounds, cavity wounds, wounds with sinus tracts or tunnels Features:   •  Maintain a moist environment by absorbing large amounts of exudates and forming a gel   •  Secondary dressing is required

Hydrogel Indications: Lightly to moderately draining wounds, necrotic wounds Features:   •  High water content provides moisture to the wound and rehydrate dry wound beds   •  Cooling and soothing   •  Reduce pain

Your ProMed territory manager is ready to introduce you to ProMed's comprehensive basic and advanced wound care products. To learn more, contact your territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com. References 1 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Technology assessment on negative pressure wound therapy devices. Available at: http://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/ta/negative-pressure-wound-therapy/background.html. Accessed May 13, 2014. 2 Lippincott’s Nursing Center. Wound & Skin Care: Choosing a wound dressing, part 2. Available at: http://www.nursingcenter.com/lnc/journalarticle?Article_ID=770292. Accessed May 13, 2014.

Study: Eating Sorbet before Meals Helps Increase Mealtime Food Consumption There might just be something to that old adage about eating dessert first. A small study found that nursing home residents who ate sorbet as an appetizer before their meals tended to eat more during the meal and maintain their weight. Previous research has shown that eating sorbet increases salivation more than drinking water does. Increased salivation is linked to increased food consumption.

Twenty-two residents completed the two-phase study. During the first phase, they drank two ounces of a non-citrus beverage before lunch and dinner. During the second phase, they ate two ounces of lemon-lime sorbet instead. The residents ate significantly more food at dinner during the sorbet phase and also drank less liquid during the meal. Eighteen of the 22 residents either gained or maintained their weight, with four residents losing weight during the study. According to the researchers, the results show the need for a larger study. To learn more, click here.

AQUACEL® foam dressings feature a soft absorbent foam pad, an exclusive AQUACEL interface, a gentle silicone adhesive and a waterproof/bacteria barrier. Additional features: Waterproof bacteria barrier allows for evaporation of excess moisture as well as a barrier against virus and bacteria penetration Can be worn during bathing Soft absorbent foam pad enhances resident comfort and absorbs excess fluid AQUACEL interface gels on contact with wound exudate to maintain a moist environment and lock in wound exudate, including harmful components Vertical wicking prevents lateral spread of fluid, reducing risk of maceration Micro-contours to the wound bed, minimizing dead space where bacteria can grow Gentle silicone border is designed to adhere to surrounding skin, not to the wound bed Skin-friendly adhesive supports simple application and removal Demonstrated low potential for dermal irritation or allergic contact sensitization

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