Wound Care Products

There are thousands of exceptional wound care products available, and many are suitable for EB wounds and skin. This chart lists product categories and their properties. Click on the product category name to learn about products, applications and precautions, as well as which best-in-class products NR can provide. Visit the Order Wound Care page on the EB Nurse website.

Product Category
Absorption
Fight Infection
Non-Adherence
Protection
Retention
Alginate Dressings X X

 
Antimicrobial Dressings   X


Collagen Dressings X X


Contact Layers
X X
 
Foam Dressings  X X X
X
  
Honey Dressings
X
   
Hydrogels
X X
 
Impregnated Gauze Dressings

X
 X
Keratin Products   X      
Retention Dressings    
X X
Specialty Absorbent Dressings X
  
X
Tape       X  
Topicals, Ointments and Creams   X   X  

 

Alginate Dressings

Alginate dressings are made of soft non-woven fibers which are derived from seaweed. These dressings are capable of absorbing large amounts of wound drainage. As alginates absorb drainage, they form a gel-like covering over the wound, which maintains a moist environment that is optimal for healing. During dressing changes, the gel can be rinsed or soaked away with saline, allowing removal of the dressing without re-traumatizing the wound bed and minimizing pain.

Application: Alginate sheets or pads should be cut or folded to the shape of the wound and applied directly to the wound surface. Next, a secondary wrap (such as rolled gauze) is applied and secured with a retention dressing (such as Surgilast or Tubifast).

Precautions for alginate dressings: If used on an infected area, an antibiotic ointment (as prescribed by the physician) should be added before application and dressings should be changed daily.

Alginate dressings are also available with silver (AG). Alginate AG dressings are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi. Silver products are appealing to people with EB because bacteria typically do not become resistant to silver. Selection depends on personal preference and comfort.

Precautions for alginate AG dressings: There are many unanswered questions about the safety using silver products long term. Until clinical trials are conducted that prove these products are safe to use on a regular long-term basis, individuals should use the products cautiously and for limited periods of time. 

 Here are some alginate and alginate AG dressings NR can provide:

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Antimicrobial Dressings

Antimicrobial dressings contain bacteria-fighting agents that help control bacterial growth and prevent bacteria from penetrating through and colonizing within the dressing. By helping to control the bacterial burden of the wound, these dressings promote healing.

Application:   Antimicrobial dressings are applied directly to the wound. Next, a secondary dressing (such as rolled gauze) is applied and secured with a retention dressing (such as Surgilast or Tubifast).

Here are some of the antimicrobial dressings NR can provide:

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Collagen Dressings

Collagen dressings contain collagen which is the most abundant protein in the body. They can be used directly on the wound and have high absorption capability. For a wound that is dry, the collagen may be moistened with saline. Collagen dressings are also available with silver (AG).

Application: Collagen dressings should be cut to the shape of the wound and applied directly to the wound surface. Next, cover with secondary dressing (such as foam or rolled gauze) and secure with a retention dressing (such as Surgilast or Tubifast).

Precautions: Not recommended for third degree burns. If sensitive to cattle (bovine) products, you should not use Promogran products.  

Here are some collagen dressings NR can provide:

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Contact Layers

Contact layers are thin, clear dressings that provide protection to the wound. In the absence of infection, they can be left in place for up to one week. In a wound that is draining, another dressing such as gauze or a foam dressing will need to be placed over a contact layer order to absorb excess fluid.

Application: Contact layers should be selected or cut to size so that they overlap the wound margin by ½ inch. Ointment may be applied to the wound or the dressing once it is in place. Next, a secondary dressing (such as rolled gauze or foam) should be applied. It will both absorb drainage and stabilize the dressing. The secondary dressing should be secured with a retention dressing (such as Surgilast or Tubifast).

Here are some contact layers NR can provide:

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Foam Dressings

Foam dressings provide cushioning and protection to the wound. Foams may be used on intact skin over areas such as elbows and knees to prevent blistering. They can absorb light wound drainage. Some foam dressings have borders, which don't necessarily need retention dressings. Foam dressings are also available with silver (AG).

Application: Foam dressings should be selected or cut to size so that they overlap the wound margin by ½ inch. Ointment may be applied to the wound if needed. Next, a secondary dressing (such as rolled gauze) should be applied. It will both absorb drainage and stabilize the dressing. The secondary dressing should be secured with a retention dressing (such as Surgilast or Tubifast).

Precautions: Infants and those with especially fragile skin may not be able to tolerate foams that have borders. In such situations, bordered foams have been reported to cause damage upon removal. If in doubt, soak off with water or allow to loosen by covering with Vaseline or Aquaphor.

Here are some foam dressings NR can provide:

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Honey Dressings

Honey dressings help maintain a moist wound environment, which is conducive to healing.  They are best for partial or full thickness wounds. The dressing is ideal for wounds that produce moderate to heavy levels of drainage.

Application: Apply directly to the wound as an initial dressing. Can be used in conjuction with other dressings.

Precautions: Please refer to manufacturer guidelines.

Here are some honey dressings NR can provide:

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Hydrogels

Hydrogels are an excellent choice for dry or crusted wounds. They provide a moist environment and serve to hydrate the wound. They are ideal for wounds with light to no drainage. Some hydrogels are also absorbent. They are non-adherent unless they are left in place for days and allowed to dry out. Hydrogels are reported to be soothing and reduce pain. Hydrogels are also available with silver (AG).

Application: Hydrogels may be applied directly to the wound. Next, a secondary wrap (such as rolled gauze) is applied and secured with a retention dressing (such as Surgilast or Tubifast).

Precautions: Hydrogel sheet dressings should not be used on wounds that are exuding heavily or that are infected.

Here are some hydrogels NR can provide:
•    Restore Hydrogel (Hollister)
•    SilvaSorb (Medline)
•    Elta AG (Swiss America)
•    SOLOSITE Gel (Smith and Nephew)
•    keragelT (Keraplast)
•    Saf-Gel (ConvaTec)
•    CoolMagic Hydrogel Sheet (MPM Medical)

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Impregnated Gauze Dressings

Impregnated gauze dressings help maintain a moist wound environment and are particularly suitable for use when dressings need frequent changing. They are ideal for wounds with light to no drainage. Unless allowed to dry out, they lift off the wound easily and without traumatizing the wound bed.

Application: Impregnated gauze dressings are applied directly to the wound, with or without the addition of an ointment. Next, a secondary dressing (such as rolled gauze) is applied and secured with a retention dressing (such as Surgilast or Tubifast).

Precautions: When left in place longer than a day, impregnated gauze dressings have been reported to dry out and become rough and hard, causing injury to the wound.

Here are some impregnated gauze dressings NR can provide:

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Keratin Products

Keratin products provide a moist wound environment, which conducive to healing. Keratin can also be used regularly on intact skin.

Application: Keratin products can be applied directly to the wound, or coated onto a secondary dressing.  It can also be used in conjuction with other dressings.

Precautions: Please refer to the manufacturer guidelines.

Here are some keratin products NR can provide:

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Retention Dressings

Retention dressings are used to secure primary and secondary dressings and hold them in place. They are an alternative to tape, which most EB skin cannot tolerate.

Application: Stretch retention dressings slightly and gently roll over primary or secondary dressings to secure them in place.

Here are some retention dressings NR can provide:

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Specialty Absorbant Dressings

Specialty absorbant dressings are made up of dry dressings that consist of highly absorbant fiber layers.

Application: Can be applied directly to the wound or applied over another dressing and secured in place with rolled gauze or a retention dressing. 

Precautions: Do not use on a dry wound.

Here are some specialty absorbent dressings NR can provide:

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Tape

Tape can be used to secure a wound dressing or a medical device. In terms of EB, tape should never be applied directly to skin.

Application: Can be used to secure medical devices such as EKG electrodes, IVs and dressings.

Precautions: Under no circumstances should tape or adhesives be applied directly to the skin. If an adhesive bandage or tape is accidentally applied to the skin or there is no alternative to secure medical devices, special adhesive removers or petrolatum ointments may be used to remove them with minimal damage to the skin.

Here are some tapes NR can provide:

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