What are the types of dressings suitable for burn wounds?

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It is a known fact that burns tend to vary in severity, depending on the area affected and how deep it penetrated the skin and tissues. The causes of burns also vary such as friction, heat and exposure to corrosive chemicals. Due to the various types of burns that can occur, there are different burn dressings that are readily available and all are designed to help protect the damaged tissue as well as promote healing and minimize the risk for infection.

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Gauze and fabric dressing

Dressings that are made out of fabric and gauze are vital in protecting all types of burn wounds. The gauze dressings are specifically designed to cover around an inner layer of moist dressing in order to keep it in place over the wound while allowing the individual to move. The Ace bandage is another type of elastic, fabric wrap that can be used to minimize the swelling in the affected area.

Burn
It is a known fact that burns tend to vary in severity, depending on the area affected and how deep it penetrated the skin and tissues.

Adherent dressing

There are some burn dressings that are designed to stick to the area that is being treated. A minimal adherent, silicone-coated synthetic mesh can be easily removed without causing any problems from the burn site. There are also adherent elastic dressings that can be utilized to cover burn wounds located in the extremities such as arms, hands and legs. These dressings are usually applied over other layers.

Antimicrobial and antibacterial dressings

It is important to note that burn dressings that keep the burn area moist and free from bacteria are vital to the healing process. You can utilize a silver absorbent dressing on the burn wound to absorb fluid that exudes from the site. Once this occurs, the dressing converts into a gel form that shields the burn wound from debris and bacteria as it solidifies. The antimicrobial dressings are usually made out of soft silicone which release silver into the wound up to seven days. Take note that these types of burn dressings are usually covered with a gauze, adherent or fabric to secure them in place. You can properly take care of wounds by enrolling in a first aid class today.

Emergency dressings

During emergencies, the medical team utilizes certain types of burn dressings that are designed to function as the first line in burn treatment while the individual is being transported to the hospital. The water gel dressings are commonly used are coated with gel and protect a burn wound by sealing it off from both the air and bacteria until it can be treated properly at the hospital. In some cases, burn towels are also used to cover the wounded area to provide protection against airborne pathogens. Burn sheets are used to cover an individual who sustained serious burn injuries in order to prevent loss of body heat. Additionally, saline solution is used to replace the lost fluid from burn wounds along with these sheets.

 

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