Hydrocolloid dressings are made of elastic polymeric hydrogels, synthetic rubber and adhesive materials. The most common gel in the dressing is hydroxymethyl cellulose. This gel can be firmly attached to the skin at the edge of the wound and can swell 12 times after absorbing the exudate.

Three step plan for emergency treatment of burn wounds

The first step is to terminate the burn process:

First aid and initial management of burn areas can limit tissue damage and subsequent mortality rates.

Step 2: Cool the burn wound:

Use warm tap water (12-18 ℃) to cool the burn area to remove heat and prevent the progression of the burn, thereby limiting tissue damage. Attention: Ice or very cold water should be avoided as it can cause vasoconstriction and deepen the wound. One thing to keep in mind is to cool the wound, not the patient.

Step 3: Cover the burn area:

In most cases, the burned area should be immediately covered after cooling. This will help prevent bacterial colonization and dry wounds, as well as alleviate pain caused by exposed nerve endings. At this stage, local antibacterial ointments should not be used as they may hinder subsequent wound assessment.

Wound treatment

The goals of managing and caring for non complex burn patients are to prevent or reduce the risk of wound infection, apply wet wound healing techniques, optimize pain relief, and ensure adequate patient education. Medical staff undergoing treatment should keep in mind the expected development of burns; If the expected healing progress is not achieved, the patient should be referred to a burn hospital.

Considerations when choosing dressings

The main characteristics of a good burn dressing are: maintaining a moist wound environment; Easy to fit body shape; Non adhesive to protect tender skin; Fit to the wound surface; Easy to apply and remove; No pain during application and removal; Prevent infection.

Common types of dressings for non complex burns:

1. Alginate dressing/CMC: suitable for highly exudative burn wounds.

2. foam dressing: suitable for burn wounds with high exudation level, which can be kept at the wound site for 2-3 days.

3. Hydrogel dressings: suitable for areas that are difficult to apply dressings, such as fingers/toes, heels, elbows, and sacrum.

4. Hydrogel dressing: suitable for burn wounds covered with carrion.

5. Polyurethane film dressing: As a semi permeable dressing, it is suitable for low exudate burn wounds and can be retained at the wound site for 2-3 days.

6. Silver dressing: suitable for burn wounds with clinical signs of local infection (low to high exudation levels)

Shandong Sukang Medical Technology Co., Ltd. currently has functional dressings; Foam dressing, alginate dressing, hydrocolloid dressing,