All About Collagen Wound Dressing

By Beryl Dalton


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.

Over the years, collagen dressing have been identified as wound healers or rather catalysts that enhances the healing process by creating a moist environment that creates a suitable condition for the healing process. It usually is harvested from animals such as cattle and horses.

To start with, collagen is a protein naturally found in humans. In the body it helps close up wounds and fasten the healing process. This is made because it is able to attract cells such as keratinocytes and fibroblasts to the broken site. The cells help in angiogenesis, epithelial cells, debridement and reepitheliziation. Also, its a substrate through which new tissues grow. Lastly, it is able to give tensile strength to the skin.

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.

The material works in certain type of wounds. Its applied to full thick or partial ones, chronic non-healing, necrotic and those with minimal to heavy exudates. Such wounds may be emanating from graft sites, surgical processes or abrasions. Also, those caused by diabetes, pressure and venous ulcers are treated by type of dressing. Lastly, they also work well on first and second degree burns.

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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