Product File: Foam Dressings
Editor(s): Hess, Cathy Thomas BSN, RN, CWOCN
A snapshot of the products you may use in practice.
FOAM DRESSINGS
Action
Foam dressings are nonlinting and absorbent. They vary in thickness and have a nonadherent layer, allowing nontraumatic removal. Some have an adhesive border and may have a film coating as an additional bacteria barrier. Foam dressings provide a moist environment and thermal insulation. They are manufactured as pads, sheets, and pillow (cavity) dressings.
Indications
Foam dressings may be used as primary and secondary dressings for partial- and full-thickness wounds with minimal, moderate, or heavy drainage; as primary dressings to provide absorption and insulation; or as secondary dressings for wounds with packing. They may also be used to provide additional absorption and to absorb drainage around tubes.
FIGURE
Advantages
- Nonadherent
- May repel contaminants
- Easy to apply and remove
- Absorb light to heavy amounts of exudate
- May be used under compression
Disadvantages
- Not effective for wounds with dry eschar
- May macerate periwound skin if they become saturated
- May require secondary dressing, tape, wrap, or net
Source: Hess CT. Clinical Guide: Wound Care. Fourth Edition. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corporation; 2002:180
© 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
