The Perfect Dressing:


  • Provides perfect moisture balance - absorbs excess moisture when necessary
  • Controls bacterial burden - keeps the wound shielded from outside dirt, moisture, debris
  • Manages pain; minimal discomfort on application and removal
  • Protects the wound from additional trauma, dirt & moisture, temperature change

Wound care treatment involves dressings that are applied directly to the wound. These are very important, in this section on modern wound healing we have discussed that simply putting moistened gauze or band-aid on the area is totally inappropriate.  That fails to allow the cells in the body to work the way they are designed to work.  Any of the dressings which are considered “modern” are based in scientific research and they facilitate a wound environment, which allows more rapid healing.  What I mean by that is the pH level, the moisture balance, the temperature of the area, and other local factors are imperative if the bodies healing cells can do their job properly.  They all work in a very narrow environmental margin.  If the wound bed is too cold or too dry or the pH is wrong these cells cannot operate efficiently.  That is why allowing them to stay in the area by decreasing the number of dressing changes and using dressings that protects the environment of the area will lead to the most rapid healing.

 There are primary dressings, secondary dressings, and a possibly compression wraps.  The primary dressings are the ones that go directly against the wound.  This maybe something like a hydro gel, which adds a little bit of moisture if the wound bed is too dry.  Or another option might be and alginate which is a more fibrous material meant to absorb some of the fluid if the wound is too moist.  Several of these also have impact on the healing cells such as collagen synthesis and other details that we can discuss later.  There are many types of primary dressings including ones that contain ionic silver. These would be used in the event have an infection.  Even a low-grade infection will delay healing because of its impact on the local environment.  It increases inflammation to the area, which changes the cells’ ability to renew themselves properly. Diabetic foot problems make your skin difficult to heal.  But it can be done!

Medical Disclaimer

This information made available through Dr. Julia Overstreet or this web site is not intended to replace the services of a nurse, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. Any action on your part in response to the information provided in this web site is at the reader's discretion.  Dr. Julia Overstreet or Drjulia.com makes no representations or warranties with respect to any information offered or provided on or through the drjulia.com web site or Dr. Julia Overstreet. Dr. Julia Overstreet or Drjulia.com is not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this web site and/or any web site(s) linked to/from it.

Wound Dressings