Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Learn More On Understanding 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.

Dressings made from the biological material are available in variety of pore sizes and surface areas and may be in form of gels, pastes, powders or sheets that are placed on broken skin. These attributes enhances management aspects of the healing process. They are changed every seven days on average to remain effective. Since they last a while without the need to change, they are economical for the patient and maintain the environment for a while.

The biological material is used on certain wounds only. For instance, it usually works best with full thick ones or the partial ones too, necrotic ones and chronic non-healing ones. These include those caused by pressure, venous ulcers and diabetic. Also, those from graft sites, abrasions and surgical processes. In addition, burns categorized as first and second degree are healed.

Collagen power is limited to only certain medical conditions. For instance, it is not recommended for patients with third degree burns. Contraindication is announced for sensitivity to pig, horse and bird or cattle materials. In addition, its not recommended for patients sensitive to silver as it is used in the antimicrobial section. Its also contraindicated for patients with active vasculities. Note that it may be used for compression therapy but a trained medical practitioner has to be present for supervision.

The collagen contents can only be used on one patient at a time. It is also, for strictly external use only. When using, there should be minimal contact with the intact skin and edges of the broken skin. In addition, its illegal to buy from or on order from anyone apart from a physician.

Compared to other materials, collagen is superior since it is easy to apply. Moreover, it is natural and is known for not causing pain. Since it is natural, patients who are not sensitive tend to not get immunogenic reactions. Its already part of the natural healing process of the body, so it speeds the process even further especially when added artificially. Lastly, it is really effective in patients whose healing process has stalled; it jump starts and speeds up the process.




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