Skip to main content

A Brief Guide To Collagen Wound Dressing

By Beryl Dalton


Wounds are a nuisance especially when they get infected or if they are chronic. Collagen wound dressing provides an easier way to make them heal much faster. Also, the dressing has an antimicrobial patch which limits potential infections. Despite the fact that they are a new concept to most patients, they are ideal in healing most types of wounds such as second degree burns and skin grafts.

Collagen dressings are biological materials used in covering wounds to enhance healing. They are made from animal sources such as cattle, horse or porcine and later treated to prevent allergic reactions. It maintains a moist environment to enhance healing. It is fitted with gelling actions which sooth the patient and provides comfort.

Collagen is known as a protein naturally found in the human body whose growth helps in closing up or rather healing a wound and speeding the recovery. This is made possible through as a result of the fact that it can attract fibroblasts and keratinocytes to where the skin is broken. Consequently, it encourages debridement, angiogenesis and re-growth of epithelial cells. Besides, it provides a natural substrate for growing new tissues. Its also responsible tensile strength seen on the skin.

Dressings made from the biological material are available in variety of pore sizes and surface areas and may be in form of gels, pastes, powders or sheets that are placed on broken skin. These attributes enhances management aspects of the healing process. They are changed every seven days on average to remain effective. Since they last a while without the need to change, they are economical for the patient and maintain the environment for a while.

Collagen is used on only certain types of wounds. For example, those emanating from graft sites, abrasions or surgical processes. In addition, those caused by pressure, diabetic and venous ulcers are treated with this type of dressing. Therefore, it works best with partial or full thick wounds, necrotic, chronic non-healing and those with minimal to heavy exudates. First and second degree burns are also healed.

Collagen is not a fix it all type of treatment. Its not recommended for those with third degree burns. Also, its contraindicated for patients with sensitivity to avian, swine or bovine materials. Patients with active vasculities or with sensitivity to silver present in the antimicrobial patch are also not encouraged to use. The dressings may be used for compression therapy if supervised by a trained health care professional.

Note that collagen dressing and its contents are usually meant for a single patient only. Also, they are strictly for external use. During use, one ought to make certain that contact with the intact skin or the edges of this wound are minimal. It should be noted that contacting the unaffected parts can be detrimental to the skin cells. Lastly, its a legal precaution for one to buy from a physician and under the advice of physician.

Collagen is superior to other conventional materials because it is easy to apply. It is also natural and pain free, therefore, it does not induce immunogenic reactions. Since it is a key component of the healing process, it speeds up the process artificially. If the healing process stalls, the dressings also help in jump starting and speeding up the process. Fibroblasts bring together the matrix to form stronger scar.




About the Author:



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Is There A Cure For Lyme Disease These Days

By Leslie Ball A number of medical conditions tend to plague the rest of the world on a regular basis. Though some may remain minor issues tht do not require intensive care and attention to get cured, there are some that are more serious than the rest as always, the key here is finding the right treatment. You might be questioning the fact that you are afflicted with the condition and you are not too sure what your next steps are going to be. It is always common for some people to ask if is there a cure for lyme disease . With proper diagnosis and the right assistance secured from the right providers, this affliction should be curable. Just kn what you need to do to start the treatment procedures you require. Securing appropriate diagnosis is always key towards knowing what your next steps are going to be. Not a lot of people may realize this, but there are a lot of steps that should be taken to ensure that the condition is indeed what you think it is. Appropriate treatments ...

Ileostomy diet : The most balanced diet after an eliostomy !

 After each surgical intervention, openings occur in the abdomen, such an opening is called an ileostomy. A person who has an ileostomy should generally find a diet to help stay healthy. Although there is no exact plan to follow in case of an ileostomy, many have found some guidelines that promotes or prevents some like foods rich in fiber, and it can help prevent digestive problems. Ileostomy is connecting ileum a stoma outwardly through the abdomen by surgery. Thus, the bowel is derived directly from the ileum to the outside and fecals are collected in a specific apparatus. This equipment is formerly called "stoma" even if the only common point with an anus is the ability for the stoma to pass feces. why ileostomy diet is necessary ? When food is eaten by someone with an ileostomy, it passes through the digestive system of the ileum and is collected in an external pocket. Food and bypasses the rest of the digestive tract, including the large intestine, colon, rec...

Best Aspects Of Non Medical Home Care

By Essie Osborn As the boomer generation begins to retire and become less mobile they find themselves in a position of needing assistance around the house with some of the more mundane aspects of living alone. They and their children are suddenly faced with the task of determining how to accomplish providing assistance without considering institutionalization. Many have found a non medical home care agency to be the answer to the dilemma they face. The most sought after benefit offered by these agencies is that the recipient is able to remain in their home while receiving the assistance. The threat of being forced to move from familiar surroundings can cause a great deal of anguish among the elderly. The services provided to them can delay placement for years. The numbers of agencies that offer these services is increasing and they are both federally funded and privately owned. Meals on Wheels is a program that brings hot meals to people who are not able to cook for themselv...