A Brief Guide To 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.

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.

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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