Composite dressings

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

Composite dressings involve combination of dressings in one to provide multiple functions.

Wound bed assessment

• Granulating
• Sloughy
• Infected

Moisture assessment

• Wet and dry wounds

Contra-indications

• Bleeding wounds
• Because of the vast variety of products and functions, always refer to the manufacturer’s information or company consultant before using a composite dressing

Advantages

The biggest advantage is that composite dressings provide multiple functions in one. Most dressings are moldable and vapor permeable. Some promote autolytic debridement, thereby promoting faster wound healing. They don’t adhere to the wound, making them easy to remove/change. 

Available products:

• Polymem(Foam with an autolytic component)
• Covaderm
• Alldress
• Telfa Island
• Stratasorb
• Optifoam Adhesive

Product example: