Comparison of two dressings in the management of partial-thickness donor sites.

This study evaluated and compared the performance of an adhesive hydro-cellular dressing with that of a paraffin gauze dressing in the treatment of partial-thickness skin-graft donor site wounds. Fifty patients were included in the study, each acting as his/her own control. Donor site area ranged from 20 cm2 to 71 cm2; half the area of each patient's donor site was treated with the trial dressing, the other half with paraffin gauze. Outcome measures assessed were: time to complete epithelialisation; ease of dressing removal; pain on removal; and appearance of the wound bed. The trial dressing demonstrated a significantly faster healing time (p < 10(-6)) and enhanced patient comfort.

Comparing hydrocolloid dressings in management of exuding wounds.

Hydrocolloid dressings have been widely used since the late 1970s. This article compares two hydrocolloid dressings--3M Tegasorb dressing and ConvaTec's Granuflex (E)--and highlights their similarities and differences when used in the clinical situation. Both hydrocolloids were reported to perform favourably by users in most situations. 3M Tegasorb dressing becomes transparent in use and this function was rated highly by users compared to the opaque Granuflex (E). In addition, 3M Tegasorb showed better adherence. One limitation of the study was the small number of patients studied. Weekly assessments yielded 90 data sets in total.

Hydrogels and hydrocolloids: an objective product comparison.

It is difficult for providers to make selections from the vast array of currently available wound care products. There has been a paucity of objective data generated by a non-biased source comparing one product to another. In order for our Wound Care Team to recommend products for system-wide formulary purchase and patient use, we needed to develop a process for product comparison. A strategy for objective evaluation of hydrocolloid and amorphous hydrogel products was created, and these products were assessed clinically by experienced wound care providers. Laboratory testing included measurement of each product's ability to absorb water versus normal saline versus actual patient wound fluid. There were major differences in various products' abilities to absorb the fluids. These objective data from the laboratory, along with the subjective comparison of clinical performance, allowed our Wound Care Team to objectively rank the hydrocolloids and hydrogels and include those preferred products in our Wound Care Product Formulary.

Hydrocoll: a 'new breed' of hydrocolloid wound dressing.

Hydrocolloid dressings were first used in wound management in the 1960s. They provide the optimal environment for wound healing, i.e. a moist environment, constant wound temperature and infrequent dressing changes, and can be used on wounds in various stages of healing. As a result they are a popular treatment option for health professionals in both the community and hospital settings. This article describes the properties of Hydrocoll--a new and exciting range of hydrocolloid dressings from Paul Hartmann Ltd--which was launched in the UK in January 1998 and became available on the Drug Tariff in June 1998.

Allevyn adhesive.

Allevyn Adhesive is a development of Allevyn Hydrocellular produced by Smith & Nephew Healthcare. Allevyn Adhesive comprises three layers and has the same absorbency as Allevyn Hydrocellular. The dressing is waterproof and requires no secondary dressing, tape or bandages. It is able to conform to the most awkward body areas such as the sacrum, heels and elbows. It is suitable for use on a variety of exuding wounds and can be used in conjunction with a hydrogel for sloughy wounds.