II. Category
- Dehydrating Dressing derived from seaweed
- Comprised of soft fibers in the shape of pads or ropes
III. Characteristics
- Absorptive
- Nonocclusive
- Nonadhesive
- Moisture-retentive
IV. Indication
- Moderate to heavily exudative and wounds
- Wounds with undermining or tunneling
- Type 2 to 4 Pressure Sores
- Autolytic Debridement
V. Contraindications
- Avoid in non-exudative, dry wounds
- Avoid in sinus tracts
VI. Technique
- Rinse wound residue with each bandage change
- Change dressing daily to every 3 days
VII. Advantages
- Requires less care than other dressings
- Designed to be occlusive
- Designed to absorb large exudates (up to 20 times its own weight)
- Fills dead space
- Conforms to wound shape
VIII. Efficacy
- Improves Pressure Ulcer healing time
- Used before Hydrocolloid Dressing
- See Wound Dressing for sample protocol
- Belmin (2002) J Am Geriatr Soc 50:269-74 [PubMed]
IX. Disadvantages
- No trial data on effectiveness in Pressure Sores
- Avoided in light exudate or dry wounds
- Risk of dehydrating wound bed and delaying Wound Healing (risk of scab formation)
X. References
- Habif (1996) Clinical Derm, Mosby, p. 810-13
- Krasner (1995) Prevention Management Pressure Ulcers
- Lewis (1996) Med-Surg Nursing, Mosby, p. 199-200
- Lueckenotte (1996) Gerontologic Nurs., Mosby, p. 800-7
- PUGP (1994) Pressure Ulcer Treatment, AHCPR 95-0653
- Way (1991) Current Surgical, Lange, p.95-108
- Bello (2000) JAMA 283(6): 716-8 [PubMed]
- Degreef (1998) Dermatol Clin 16(2): 365-75 [PubMed]
- Findlay (1996) Am Fam Physician 54(5): 1519-28 [PubMed]
- Knapp (1999) Pediatr Clin North Am 46(6):1201-13 [PubMed]
- (1995) Am Fam Physician 51(5):1207-22 [PubMed]