Alginates

Authors: Christian Kaare Paaskesen, Med. Stud., Hasan Gökcer Tekin, MD

Wound bed assessment

Cavity wounds
Sloughy wounds

Moisture assessment

Wet wounds

Contra-indications

Dry wounds
Clean wounds

Advantages

Alginates are very absorbent and do not adhere to the wound bed. When alginates absorb exudate, it transforms to a gel and creates a moist environment for optimal healing in wounds that are highly exudative.

Disadvantages

Needs to be covered by a secondary dressing to transport the excessive exudate away from the wound bed. If used on infected wounds, an occlusive dressing should NOT be used as a secondary layer.