Wound Dressing Procedure, Types and Treatment in Lubbock, TX

Wound Dressing in Lubbock, TX

Wound Dressing Procedure, Types, and Treatment in Lubbock, TX: You must have had a wound either from a road accident, domestic accident, or a specific condition at a given point in your life.

While treating minor wounds is easy, treating severe chronic injuries is not so easy.

Chronic or non-healing wounds can take several weeks or months to heal. They require intense treatment and special care.

Wound dressing is a way to treat and care for chronic wounds. Wound dressing helps to boost the healing of a wound. It allows the wound to heal faster. Wound dressing also helps prevent injuries from getting infected.

What has wound dressing?

Wound dressing is a way to help a wound heal faster. It involves anything applied to a wound, including debriding, cleaning, medication, and covering the wound to help it heal. Wound dressing doesn’t only help a wound heals; it also prevents infection and complications.

Wound dressing can also help stop bleeding, aid clotting, absorb excess blood, plasma, or fluid, and prevent biofilms from covering the wound.

Types of Wound Dressing in Lubbock, Tx

There are different types of wound dressings. These include:

• Cloth Dressing

Cloth dressing involves using a woolly cloth to cover and protect wounds. The cloth dressing is the most commonly used wound dressing. Cloth dressing can be used for both minor and severe injuries.

Cloth dressings are often used as the first layer of protection for a wound. They can also be used as a second layer to secure the wound further.

Cloth dressings are good options for wounds that are difficult to dress. They are easy to use, and they easily conform to the body.

Cloth dressings are available in both pre-cut packaged sauces and roll options. They can be used at home and in medical clinics. They come in various shapes and sizes.

• Foam Dressing

Foam dressings are very soft and absorbent. They absorb moisture to maintain a healthy moisture balance. Because foam dressings can effectively absorb moisture, they are better for wounds that frequently exude fluids and foul-smelling odors.

By efficiently absorbing excess fluids from the surface of wounds, foam dressings promote faster healing. Foam dressings also keep wounds moist to protect wounds from infection.

• Collagen Dressing

Collagen dressings are used for chronic wounds with a slow or stalled healing progress. Collagen dressings can act as temporary skin that allows the growth of new cells.

Collagen dressings promote healing in some ways. Collagen dressings promote the formation of new blood vessels, help remove dead tissue, and help tighten the wound’s edges.

Collagen dressing is best used on pressure sores, transplant sites, surgical wounds, ulcers, burns, or significant injuries.

• Transparent Dressing

Transparent dressings are made with explicit films which allow your healthcare provider to see the progress of the wound. This type of dressing is commonly used when a healthcare provider wants to monitor a wound’s healing progress closely.

Transparent dressings are often used on more extensive and complicated wounds requiring frequent monitoring. They are mainly used on surgical incision sites, burns, and ulcers.

• Hydrogel Dressing

Hydrogel dressings are coated with gels which add moisture to wounds to aid healing. Hydrogel dressings help to break down dry, dead tissues to aid recovery.

They are commonly used for dry and large wounds that emit little to no fluid. They are good options for excruciating wounds such as second-degree burns and infected wounds.

• Hydrocolloid Dressing

Hydrocolloid dressings are non-breathable, self-adhesive dressings made of flexible material. A substance that contains polysaccharides and other polymers are used to coat the surface of a hydrocolloid dressing. This substance works to absorb fluid and form a gel. The gel, which is in direct contact with the wound, helps the wound heal faster. Hydrocolloid dressings create a moist environment to support wound healing more quickly.

Hydrocolloid dressings are most commonly used on burns, light to moderately draining wounds, necrotic wounds, and pressure and venous ulcers.

• Alginate Dressing

Alginate dressings are highly absorbent and are used on wounds with excessive drainage. They are commonly used for severe or deep wounds that bring out excess fluids or blood.

Alginate dressings are best used for burns, venous ulcers, packing wounds, and pressure ulcers.

Since they’re highly absorbent, they should not be used on dry wounds. Alginate dressing can make a dry wound drier, hindering the healing process.

What are the principles of wound dressing?

The principles of a wound dressing include:

1. Assessing the wound
2. Debridement (if required)
3. Cleaning the wound
4. Disinfecting the wound
5. Closing and dressing the wound

Procedure for Wound dressing in Lubbock, Tx

The procedure for wound dressing includes:

 Step 1: Wound Debridement  

Wound debridement is the first step to take. Wound debridement is the removal of dead tissue, foreign debris, and dead skin from the wound’s surface. Debriding the wound helps to reduce contaminating bacteria and makes the wound easier to clean. It also allows medications to penetrate the wound quickly.

Step 2: Cleaning

After debridement, the next step is cleaning the wound. The wound should be cleaned to remove blood, dirt, and fluid from the wound’s surface. The wound can be washed under running water or a wet cloth to scrub its surface gently.

Specific solutions such as chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide may be used to clean the wound properly and remove congealed blood and dirt from the wound’s surface.

Step 3: Disinfecting the Skin Around the Wound

The area around the wound should be disinfected before dressing to rid the site of infection.

Step 4: Apply Antibiotics 

After applying disinfectant around the surrounding skin, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the wound to prevent infection.

Step 5: Dressing

Dress the wound appropriately to help keep the damage dry. Dressing the wound keeps it safe and prevents dirt and germs from getting into it. Dressing creates optimal conditions for the wound to heal faster.

The type of dressing that should be used depends on the depth or size of the wound, the type of tissue in the wound bed, and the level of fluid or blood coming out from the wound.

Topical Agents for Wound Dressing

Common topical agents used for wound dressing include:

• Chlorhexidine
• Silver sulfadiazine
• Neosporin
• Polysporin
• Bismuth-impregnated petroleum gauze
• Mafenide

Purposes of Wound Dressing

The purposes of a wound dressing include:

• To cover the wound from infection 
• To protect the wound from dirt
• To help stop bleeding
• To aid clotting
• Limit tissue inflammation
• To absorb excess blood, plasma, or fluid
• To prevent biofilms from covering the wound
• To make the wound heal faster

Pros and Cons of Various Wound Dressings

1. Cloth Dressing

Pros

• It is cheap
• It is easily accessible
• Anyone can apply it
• It comes in various shapes and sizes
• It can be used at home and in medical clinics

Cons

• If not changed regularly, it can act as a source of infection
• If adjusted too frequently, it may cause loss of granulation tissue
• When applied by someone inexperienced, it may cause wound damage.

2. Foam Dressings 

Pros

• It increases patient comfort
• It is made from a non-stick dressing material
• It can absorb excess fluid and wound exudate

Cons

• An additional form of dressing is usually required to secure it in place.
• If left in place for too long, wound maceration may likely occur.
• It is unsuitable for infected wounds.

3. Transparent dressings

Pros

• It helps to reduce friction at the wound site
• It helps in autolytic debridement
• It allows a healthcare provider to see the progress of the wound

Cons

• It is unsuitable for wounds with excessive fluid or exudates.
• When removed, it may stick to the wound and cause healthy tissue loss and wound damage.

4. Hydrocolloid Dressings

Pros

• Highly absorbent
• It helps in autolytic debridement
• It minimizes bacterial contamination

Cons

• It is unsuitable for infected wounds
• It might worsen tissue damage in areas prone to friction.

5. Hydrogel Dressings

Pros

• It handles tender wounds by providing soothing relief
• It protects against wound site infection

Cons

• It is not suitable for wounds with excess fluid.

6. Alginate Dressings

Pros

• It is very absorbent
• It is non-adherent
• It encourages autolytic wound debridement

Cons

• It requires additional wound dressings to be secured in place.
• Its excessive moisture absorption might lead to a delay in wound healing.

What is Wound Debridement?

Wound debridement is the removal of the dead tissue, foreign debris, and dead skin from the wound’s surface. Wound debridement helps to reduce contaminating bacteria and makes the wound easier to clean. It also allows medications to penetrate the wound and make the wound heal faster and easier.

Types of Debridement

There are different types of debridement.

1. Mechanical Debridement

This is the most common type of wound debridement. It involves the removal of dead and unhealthy tissue using a moving force. Mechanical debridement can be used for both non-infected and infected wounds.

Mechanical debridement can be done using;

Hydrotherapy

This mechanical debridement uses running water to wash away dead and unhealthy tissues. A whirlpool bath, shower treatment, or syringe and catheter tube may be used.

wet-to-dry dressing

It involves applying wet gauze to the wound and leaving it to dry. When it dries, it sticks to the wound. It is then removed. When it is removed, dead tissues go away with it.

Monofilament debridement pads

This involves using a soft polyester pad to brush across the surface of the wound gently. Dead tissue and wound debris are removed as you skim across the wound.

2. Biological Debridement

Biological debridement involves the use of sterile maggots. These larvae are placed on the wound or in a mesh bag included in the dressing. The grubs are left for 24 to 72 hours. They’re replaced twice a week.

The larvae eat up old and dead tissue. They eat harmful bacteria and control infection by releasing antibacterial substances.

Biological debridement is best used for wounds infected by antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

3. Enzymatic Debridement

Enzymatic debridement involves using an ointment or gel with enzymes that help soften unhealthy tissue.

The wound is covered with a dressing with this ointment or gel. The lotion or gel is applied once or twice a day. When the sauce is removed, the dead tissue goes off with it.

Enzymatic debridement is best used if you have bleeding problems. It should not be used for large and severely infected wounds.

4. Autolytic Debridement

Autolytic debridement involves using your body’s enzymes and natural fluids to soften lousy tissue. This is done with a moisture-retaining dressing. The moisture helps dead tissues to swell up and separate from the wound.

Autolytic debridement is best for non-infected wounds.

5. Conservative Sharp Debridement

A sharp conservative debridement can be performed by a family physician, nurse, dermatologist, or podiatrist. This involves removing dead and unhealthy tissue by cutting it off. Scalpels, curettes, or scissors can be used to cut off the dead tissue.

6. Surgical Sharp Debridement 

Surgical sharp debridement involves using surgical instruments to cut off dead and unhealthy tissue. The cut might also include healthy tissue around the wound.

Surgical sharp debridement is only required if other debridement methods don’t work or if urgent treatment is needed. It’s done by a surgeon.

Possible Complications of Wound Debridement

Possible complications of wound debridement include:

• Irritation
• Bleeding
• Pain
• Allergic reaction
• Damage to healthy tissue
• Bacterial infection

Cost of Wound Debridement in Lubbock, TX

The type of wound debridement you choose will determine the cost. The cost also varies depending on the provider and location. The cost of wound debridement generally ranges from $200-$500.

FAQS

How long does a debridement take?

A wound debridement can take 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the wound.

Is wound debridement painful?

Wound debridement such as biological, enzymatic, and autolytic are not painful. During a conservative and surgical sharp debridement, you may be given local or general anesthesia to prevent pain or make you unconscious throughout the procedure.

What is the purpose of debridement in wound care?

Debridement removes dead and unhealthy tissue from the surface of a wound to allow the wound to heal faster.

How often should a wound dressing be changed?

A wound dressing can be changed every one or two days. You can change a bandage when blood or fluid has soaked through it.

How long does it take for a wound to heal after debridement?

Depending on the severity of the wound, it can take 6-12 weeks for the wound to completely heal after debridement.

Why does my wound have to be debrided?

Your wound needs to be debrided to remove the dead, unhealthy tissue and debris covering the wound’s surface.

Best Doctor to treat wound dressing in Lubbock, TX

To ensure that your wound heals faster, you need to visit a reputable wound care center.

Southwest Regional Wound Care Center is the right clinic to visit if you want your wound to be dressed appropriately and promptly healed.

This center is a reputable hospital specializing in treating and managing wounds. We provide various wound care services, including wound dressing and debridement.

Our head doctor, Dr. Joseph Wolcott, is highly knowledgeable and extensively experienced in wound dressing. He is the best Doctor in Lubbock, Texas, for wound dressing.

Dr. Joseph Wolcott has successfully done hundreds of wound dressings for patients with wounds.

If you’re looking for the best clinic in Lubbock, TX, to have your wound effectively dressed, we recommend you book an appointment with us!