| Product Categories | Indications | Skin Tear Type | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Adherent Mesh Dressings. (Example: lipido-colloid mesh, impregnated gause mesh, silicone mesh, petrolatum) | Dry or exudative wound | 1,2,3 | Maintains moisture balance for multiple levels of wound exudate, Atraumatic removal May need secondary cover dressing |
| Foam dressing | Moderate exudate Longer wear time (2-7 days depending on exudate levels) |
2,3 | Caution with adhesive border foams, use non-adhesive versions when possible to avoid periwound trauma |
| Hydrogels | Donates moisture for dry wounds | 2,3 | Caution: may result in peri wound maceration if wound is exudative for autolytic debriment wounds with low exudate Secondary cover dressing required |
| 2-octyle cyanoacrylate topical bandage (skin glue) | To approximate wound edges | 1 | Use in a similar fasion as sutures within first 24 hours post injury, relatively expensive, medical directive/protocol may be required |
| Calcium Alginates | Moderate to heavy exudate | 1,2,3 | May dry out wound bed if inadequate exudate Secondary cover dressing required |
| Hydrofibre | Moderate to heavy exudate | 2,3 | No hemostatic properties May dry out wound bed if inadequate exudate Secondary cover dressing required |
| Acrylic Dressing | Mild to moderate exudate without any evidence of bleeding, may remain in place for an extended period of time | 1,2,3 | Care on removal Should only be used as directed and left on for extended wear time |
Special Consideration for Infected Skin Tears
| Product Categories | Indications | Skin Tear Type | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Methylene Blue and Gentian Violet Dressings | Effective broad spectrum antimocrobial action including antibiotic resistant organisms | 1,2,3 | Non-traumatic to wound bed Use when local or deep tissue infection is suspected of confirmed Secondary dressing required |
| Ionic Silver Dressings | Effective broad spectrum antimicrobial action including antibiotic resistant organisms | 1,2,3 | Should not be used indefinitely. Contraindicated in patients with silver allergy Use when local or deep infectionis suspected or confirmed Use non-adherent products whenever possible to minimize risk of further trauma |