Wound care & dressings

Dressing selection is one part of a care plan. We support institutions with category-level products after clinical need is framed.

Assess the patient and the cause of the wound first

Dressing selection is only one component of the care plan. Selecting a product solely from the appearance of the wound is insufficient without understanding its aetiology and the patient’s overall condition.

01

Holistic assessment

Wound type and duration are considered together with circulation, diabetes, pressure, oedema, mobility, pain, nutrition and associated clinical risks.

02

Wound documentation

Location, dimensions, depth, wound-bed tissue, exudate, odour, periwound skin and wound edge are recorded at baseline and during follow-up.

Representative clinical image for wound assessment and dressing categories
Representative image — product selection is based on individual clinical assessment.

Systematic assessment with TIME

TIME is an established clinical framework for the structured assessment of local barriers to healing. It complements holistic patient assessment.

T

Tissue

Viable, granulation, fibrinous or necrotic tissue is assessed. The cleansing and debridement method is determined by a competent healthcare professional.

I

Infection / Inflammation

Covert and overt signs of inflammation and local infection are assessed. The need for an antimicrobial product is determined from clinical findings.

M

Moisture balance

Exudate volume, consistency and effect on the periwound skin are assessed. The aim is to maintain an appropriate moisture balance.

E

Edge

Epithelial advancement, maceration, dryness, pocketing or undermining and periwound skin integrity are monitored.

Microbial burden is assessed along a continuum

The International Wound Infection Institute (IWII) 2022 consensus conceptualises microbial presence as contamination, colonisation, local infection, spreading infection and systemic infection. Colonisation alone does not constitute infection.

  1. 1Contamination
  2. 2Colonisation
  3. 3Local infection
  4. 4Spreading infection
  5. 5Systemic infection
Antimicrobial stewardship

Antimicrobial dressings are used when supported by clinical suspicion and patient risk, with a reassessment plan set by the healthcare professional. Suspected spreading or systemic infection requires medical assessment.

Product categories by clinical need

The mappings below support institutional discussion at category level; final selection remains with the treating team. Materials, dimensions and change intervals are listed in the supply section below. Select a product name for detailed information and availability.

A dressing is one part of the care plan

Aetiology-directed management may include appropriate debridement, perfusion assessment, pressure relief / offloading, oedema and compression planning, glycaemic control, nutrition and pain management. Compression and advanced interventions are planned only after appropriate clinical and vascular assessment.

Wound dressings and dressing products

Modern wound dressings are organised into four groups. Each item is presented with its material composition, suitable exudate level, available dimensions and change interval. Select a product name for detailed information and availability.

Exudate-retaining fibre dressings

These fibre dressings form a gel on contact with wound fluid. They retain exudate within the dressing and bind bacteria and tissue debris in the gel. Sheet dressings are used for superficial wounds, while ribbon dressings are used for cavities and deep wounds; a secondary dressing is required.

  • Calcium alginate dressing and ribbon

    Material
    Calcium alginate fibre
    Exudate
    Moderate–high
    Dimensions
    Sheet 5 × 5 · 10 × 10 · 10 × 20 cm · ribbon 30 × 2 cm
    Features
    A gel forms as sodium in wound fluid exchanges with calcium in the fibre, enabling conformity to the wound bed. Its soft structure facilitates cavity packing. Sterile and individually packaged.
    Change interval
    Determined by the physician according to wound condition, exudate and secondary dressing; maximum 5–7 days.
  • Silver-containing calcium alginate dressing and ribbon

    Material
    Calcium alginate fibre and silver alginate fibre (1.5% ionic silver)
    Exudate
    High
    Dimensions
    Sheet 5 × 5 · 10 × 10 · 10 × 20 cm · ribbon 30 × 2 cm
    Use
    Infected wounds or wounds at risk of infection, with a clinical rationale and reassessment plan. Intended to reduce microbial burden in the wound bed and used alongside any required systemic treatment.
    Change interval
    Up to 7 days according to exudate level; the physician determines the interval.
  • Hydroactive fibre dressing and ribbon

    Material
    Cellulose and cellulose ethyl sulfonate fibre
    Exudate
    Moderate–high
    Dimensions
    Sheet 5 × 5 · 10 × 10 · 15 × 15 cm · ribbon 45 × 2 cm
    Features
    Absorbs exudate vertically and transfers it to the secondary dressing; this direction of travel reduces the risk of periwound maceration. It can be cut when dry and removed in one piece when moist.
    Change interval
    Maximum 7 days; loosely packed in cavities with a margin of approximately 2.5 cm at the wound edge.

Foam dressings

Multilayer foam dressings transfer exudate vertically and retain it within the dressing, protect the wound edge and provide cushioning. They can also be used under compression; anatomical forms are designed for difficult areas such as the sacrum, heel and toe.

  • Polyurethane foam dressing

    Material
    Three-layer polyurethane foam; perforated wound-contact layer
    Exudate
    Moderate–high
    Forms
    Adhesive · non-adhesive · sacral · heel · toe
    Dimensions
    5 × 5 · 7.5 × 7.5 · 10 × 10 · 15 × 15 · 20 × 15 cm · sacral 20.5 × 18 cm · heel 13 × 10 cm · toe 5.5 × 3.8–7.5 × 6.4 cm
    Features
    The vapour-permeable backing allows some moisture to evaporate; the contact layer prevents adherence to the wound. Absorption and retention capacity are maintained under compression. Can be cut to the shape of the wound.
    Change interval
    Up to 7 days when clinically appropriate; can be used as a primary or secondary dressing.
  • Silicone foam dressing

    Material
    Multilayer silicone foam; superabsorbent core in some forms
    Exudate
    Moderate–high
    Forms
    Bordered · thin bordered · non-bordered · sacral · heel · multisite · tracheostomy
    Dimensions
    Bordered 7.5 × 7.5–20 × 20 cm and 30 × 10 cm · non-bordered 5 × 5–20 × 20 cm · sacral 17.5 × 17 and 23 × 23 cm · heel 25 × 23.5 cm
    Features
    The silicone contact surface enables atraumatic removal; the backing is water- and shower-resistant. Suitable for use under compression.
    Use
    Pressure injury, leg and foot ulcer, traumatic and surgical wound, and skin tear.

Moisture-balancing dressings

The aim in dry and lightly exuding wounds is to preserve moisture. Depending on wound condition, this group donates moisture or absorbs excess fluid and supports the breakdown of necrotic tissue by the body’s own enzymes (autolytic debridement).

  • Moisture-balancing biocellulose dressing and ribbon

    Material
    Biosynthetic cellulose and water
    Exudate
    Low–moderate
    Dimensions
    Sheet 5 × 5 · 9 × 9 · 14 × 20 cm · ribbon 21 × 2 cm
    Features
    Donates moisture or absorbs excess exudate according to wound condition. Its cooling effect reduces pain, while its flexible structure conforms to deep and difficult areas. Suitable for all wound-bed tissue types.
    Use
    Non-infected superficial or deep wounds. If the dressing dries, it is moistened for at least 10 minutes before removal.
  • PHMB-containing biocellulose dressing and ribbon

    Material
    Water, cellulose and 0.3% polyhexanide (PHMB)
    Exudate
    Low–moderate
    Dimensions
    Sheet 5 × 5 · 9 × 9 · 14 × 20 cm · ribbon 21 × 2 cm
    Use
    Infected wounds or wounds at risk of infection. Suppresses microbial activity while maintaining moisture balance; planned by the physician alongside medicinal treatment and the institutional protocol.
    Change interval
    According to wound progression; reassessed if colour or odour changes, or if progress stalls.
  • Hydrogel dressing

    Material
    Water- and acrylic polymer-based hydrogel; polyethylene carrier film
    Exudate
    Dry–low
    Dimensions
    5 cm · 10 × 10 cm · 20 × 20 cm
    Features
    Donates moisture to the wound and takes softened necrotic tissue and debris into the gel. Can be shaped and cut to the wound area; contributes to pain reduction.
    Change interval
    According to wound-bed moisture; a secondary dressing is required.
  • Hydrocolloid dressing

    Material
    Absorbent hydrocolloid matrix on a polyurethane carrier film
    Exudate
    Low–moderate
    Forms
    Standard · thin · bordered · sacral
    Dimensions
    Standard 10 × 10–20 × 20 cm · thin 5 × 5–20 × 20 cm · bordered 14 × 14 cm · sacral 16 × 14 cm
    Features
    Absorbs exudate to form a cohesive gel; the vapour-permeable film protects the periwound skin.
    Change interval
    Left in place for as long as possible; changed immediately if exudate leaks, otherwise after a maximum of 7 days.
    Use
    Non-infected superficial wounds.

Film dressings and fixation

Transparent film dressings protect new tissue from external factors during epithelialisation and allow the wound to be monitored without removing the dressing. They are also used as secondary dressings and for fixation.

  • Transparent polyurethane film dressing and roll

    Material
    Polyurethane film, polyacrylate adhesive
    Exudate
    Low
    Dimensions
    Sterile 5 × 7 · 10 × 12 · 10 × 25 · 15 × 20 · 20 × 30 cm · roll 10 cm × 1 m · 10 cm × 10 m · 15 cm × 10 m
    Features
    Waterproof; forms a barrier to microorganisms and fluid. Conforms to body contours and permits wound observation through its transparent surface.
    Use
    Protection of epithelial tissue, secondary dressing over moisture-balancing dressings, pressure-injury prevention, and the roll form for dressing fixation.
    Change interval
    According to wound condition and the primary dressing; maximum 5–7 days.

Dimensions, packaging and supply

The dimensions listed show the manufacturing range. For units per box, lead time and institutional pricing, use the form on our contact page. Dressing selection and change frequency are determined by the physician or institutional protocol, with consideration of wound aetiology, perfusion status and signs of infection.

Principal clinical references

Current consensus documents and guidelines underpin the assessment and product-category principles presented here.

  1. Wounds International — T.I.M.E. Clinical Decision Support Tool
  2. International Wound Infection Institute — Wound Infection in Clinical Practice, 2022
  3. IWGDF — Wound Healing Interventions Guideline, 2023
  4. NHS Devon Formulary — Alginate dressings
  5. Weller and Sussman — Wound dressing selection according to wound characteristics

Clinical assessment and institutional protocols guide application to each patient.

Product and collaboration information

Contact our team for technical scope, supply and institutional collaboration.

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