How do I select the right silicone foam dressing?

As we discussed at the outset of this section, managing wound exudate is an important part of helping a wound to heal properly.

Clinical experts recommend dressings that:

  1. provide local moisture balance to promote healing;
  2. control exudate to prevent maceration; and
  3. eliminate the dead space, or gap, between the wound bed and the dressing.7

For more information on how to select the right foam dressing for your patient, go to our section on ‘How to select the right dressing’.

 

Remember: Always start by conducting a holistic assessment of your patient and their wound.

Summary: Tips for choosing the right silicone foam dressing

Look for a dressing that:

  • absorbs and retains an appropriate amount of exudate, also under pressure.1 This will minimise the risk of leakage and maceration.
  • conforms to the wound bed. This will minimise exudate pooling and maceration of wound edges and the periwound skin.1
  • adheres to the surrounding skin, while still being easy to remove.3 This will help prevent pain and damage to the skin surrounding the wound.
  • is cost-effective and readily available.3

If you need more tips on how to select the right dressing for your patient, check out the following sections:

References
  1. Snyder RJ. Managing dead space: an overview. Podiatry Manage 2005;24:171–174.
  2. World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS), Consensus Document. Wound exudate: effective assessment and management. Wounds International, 2019
  3. Adderley UJ. Managing wound exudate and promoting healing. Wound Care 2010.