Wounds are always trouble especially when they get infected. With collagen wound dressing, however, they heal much faster. In addition, the dressings come with antimicrobial agents which inhibit potential infections. Although, new to some patients, they show excellent results in healing necrotic wounds, second degree burns and skin grafts. So what exactly are they?
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 power is limited to only certain medical conditions. For instance, it is not recommended for patients with third degree burns. Contraindication is announced for sensitivity to pig, horse and bird or cattle materials. In addition, its not recommended for patients sensitive to silver as it is used in the antimicrobial section. Its also contraindicated for patients with active vasculities. Note that it may be used for compression therapy but a trained medical practitioner has to be present for supervision.
Only one patient is required to use the contents of these collagen dressings. In addition, its not for internal use, only external. Since contact with unaffected parts is detrimental to the skin cells, one should ensure that none of these contents touch the intact skin during use. Even the edges of the broken skin should not be touched by contents.
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.
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 power is limited to only certain medical conditions. For instance, it is not recommended for patients with third degree burns. Contraindication is announced for sensitivity to pig, horse and bird or cattle materials. In addition, its not recommended for patients sensitive to silver as it is used in the antimicrobial section. Its also contraindicated for patients with active vasculities. Note that it may be used for compression therapy but a trained medical practitioner has to be present for supervision.
Only one patient is required to use the contents of these collagen dressings. In addition, its not for internal use, only external. Since contact with unaffected parts is detrimental to the skin cells, one should ensure that none of these contents touch the intact skin during use. Even the edges of the broken skin should not be touched by contents.
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.
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