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.
For starters, collagen is a protein. Its found naturally in humans whose function is to help close up a wound and speed the recovery process. This happens because of its ability to attract fibroblasts and keratinocytes to the site of broken skin. Subsequently, it encourages debridement, re-growth of epithelial cells and angiogenesis. Lastly, it is a natural scaffold for growth of new tissues and responsible for giving the skin its tensile strength. Fibroblasts bring together the matrix to form stronger scar.
The biological material makes dressings available in varying surface areas and pore sizes. It also available in the form of gels, pastes, powders or sheets placed on broken skin. Such attributes enhances management aspects of the healing process. Every six to seven days, they may be changed to ensure that they remain effective. The length of time needed to change is long making it economical to the patient.
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.
There are several advantages of collagen which make it superior to other conventional materials. It is already a component of the natural healing process of the body, so it speeds the process of healing even further when added artificially. Also, its natural and does not cause pain; therefore, it does not induce immunogenic reactions in patients who are not sensitive. Patients whose healing has stalled resulting to a chronic wound also benefit. The dressing helps jumpstart and speed up the process.
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.
For starters, collagen is a protein. Its found naturally in humans whose function is to help close up a wound and speed the recovery process. This happens because of its ability to attract fibroblasts and keratinocytes to the site of broken skin. Subsequently, it encourages debridement, re-growth of epithelial cells and angiogenesis. Lastly, it is a natural scaffold for growth of new tissues and responsible for giving the skin its tensile strength. Fibroblasts bring together the matrix to form stronger scar.
The biological material makes dressings available in varying surface areas and pore sizes. It also available in the form of gels, pastes, powders or sheets placed on broken skin. Such attributes enhances management aspects of the healing process. Every six to seven days, they may be changed to ensure that they remain effective. The length of time needed to change is long making it economical to the patient.
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.
There are several advantages of collagen which make it superior to other conventional materials. It is already a component of the natural healing process of the body, so it speeds the process of healing even further when added artificially. Also, its natural and does not cause pain; therefore, it does not induce immunogenic reactions in patients who are not sensitive. Patients whose healing has stalled resulting to a chronic wound also benefit. The dressing helps jumpstart and speed up the process.
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