An occlusive dressing is one that, once applied to a wound, prevents the damaged part of the body from coming into contact with the external environment, as well as the air. In other words, occlusion is a mechanical closure, that is, the separation of the wound from the external environment. The occlusive dressing is used on a wide variety of wounds, including chest wounds and bursting heels.

Contents:

  1. Occlusive dressing - what does it contain?
  2. Occlusive dressing - how to use?
  3. Occlusive dressing - application

Occlusive dressingsare made in such a way that even a person without medical experience can put them on. One thing to remember is to choose the size of the dressing according to the size of the wound, so that the plaster covers the entire wound and a fragment of he althy skin around it. Occlusive dressings can be applied to any wound.

Occlusive dressing - what does it contain?

Occlusive dressings are available in pharmacies and medical stores in the form of ready-made plasters. Most occlusive dressings are very durable and adhere tightly to the skin.

Occlusive dressings resemble a flat mesh, are waterproof and prevent the penetration of water, air and other undesirable substances into the wound. The adhesive material in them is usually a hydrogel substance.

A convenient feature of occlusive dressings containing hydrogel substances is the possibility of removing and sticking the plasters multiple times, which facilitates the possible ventilation of wounds.

Occlusive dressings are usually made of foil-like substances, they are safe for allergy sufferers, and despite the strong adhesive, they do not contain any irritating substances.

Occlusive dressing - how to use?

Occlusive dressings are used for uninfected wounds. They can be used with low to moderate wound exudate at most. Modern occlusive dressings allow the release of water vapor from the wound, thanks to which they regulate its temperature and humidity, thus creating optimal healing conditions.

Occlusive dressings are used to enhance the effect of ointments and medicinal preparations applied to wounds. The effect is obtained by reducing the evaporation of the drug, limiting its drying or drying in contact withimpurities.

In fact, the healing ointment is then better absorbed by the wound. But, here's an important note. Combining occlusive dressings with medications can also be counterproductive.

If the drug is absorbed excessively, side effects may occur.

It is also important not to use occlusive dressings on wounds that have just been disinfected, as this may result in burns.

Since exposure to air has a great impact on the progression of wound healing, remove the patch from time to time to allow the skin to breathe.

Occlusive dressings are designed in such a way that they fit freely to any part of the body.

They adhere tightly to the skin, so you don't have to worry about accidentally tearing the dressing.

Waterproofness makes it easier to take a bath.

Each occlusive dressing can be peeled off many times and after ventilating the wound, re-stick it.

Occlusive dressing - application

Occlusive dressings are widely used in medicine.

The original application of hydrogel-containing dressings was to remove necrotic tissues from wounds through tissue hydration and autolysis.

Occlusive dressings are now standard equipment in ambulances.

They are used on a variety of wounds, including open wounds, bleeding, life-threatening, entry wounds or exit wounds.

They can be used on clean wounds as well as those covered with dirt, hair, clotted blood or other materials.

The dressings are intended especially for wounds with mild or moderate bleeding or non-bleeding wounds.

Occlusive dressings are commonly used to treat open chest wounds that may lead to pneumothorax.

Ambulances are equipped with occlusive dressings with a needle for decompression of a tension pneumothorax, which helps to reduce chest decompression.

Some kits also come with special one-way valves that allow unnecessary air to escape from the chest.

In this way, an occlusive dressing can accelerate the healing of a chest wound as well as counteract complications resulting from their occurrence.

Occlusive dressings are recommended by many doctors to people who have problems with cracking heels. The advantage of the patches is also the fact that you do not feel pain when taking them off.

The use time of occlusive dressings isdepending on the manufacturer's recommendations and the type of wound and exudate.

Most often, a single plaster in the treatment of small wounds with little exudation can be used for about 48 hours.

About the authorAnna Jarosz A journalist who has been involved in popularizing he alth education for over 40 years. Winner of many competitions for journalists dealing with medicine and he alth. She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St. Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice the "Crystal Pen" in the national competition for journalists promoting he alth, and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year" organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.

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