What are the Features of Transfer Dressings
Transfer dressings are made of thin films of hydrophilic polyurethane foam with a layer of soft silicone coated on one side [1]. This soft silicone layer is slightly sticky, which aids in applying and keeping the dressing on healthy skin without causing discomfort or epidermal stripping when removed. Other features of transfer dressings include;
- They reduce the bacteria burden of wounds: Transfer dressings have significant anti-bacterial properties. Studies indicate that these dressings inhibit the growth of wound-associated bacteria and fungi from 30 minutes till up to 14 days of use [3]. Transfer dressings are crucial in the effective management of infected wounds. Wound care specialists have recommended that antibiotic transfer dressings be used to reduce bioburden in infected wounds [3]. Furthermore, it is an anti-bacterial barrier in open wounds prone to infection.
- They are easy to handle: They are simple to apply, even to wounds that are difficult to dress, and they may be trimmed to fit a variety of shapes. In addition, compared to other dressings, they cause less trauma and pain to tissues during dressing changes.
Indications
Transfer dressings are an excellent choice for a wide variety of wounds. It can be placed independently or with secondary absorbent dressings for oozing wounds and burns. It can also be used to protect delicate skin. Additionally, it can be utilized before the application of compression bandages.
How to Apply Transfer Dressings
Applying a transfer dressing to a wound is simple. If you follow the manufacturer's instructions, there should be no problems. You can use these dressings on your wounds by carefully adhering to these instructions.
- Wash your hands and wear surgical gloves.
- The wound and the surrounding skin should be cleaned with a disinfectant or saline solution.
- Before applying the dressing, ensure the peri-wound skin is dry and free of oil.
- Remove the barrier film first. Trim as necessary to achieve the desired size and shape.
- Apply the dressing to the wound. It is recommended that the dressing should extend at least five centimeters beyond the wound's edge.
- Subsequently, a secondary dressing/bandage should be applied to secure the transfer dressing.
- Concerning the frequency of dressing changes, the amount of exudate produced typically determines how long the dressings should be kept on. If the wound is clean and only slightly oozing, the dressing can be kept in place for several days without being disturbed. However, the dressing must be changed at least once daily for infected wounds.
Conclusion
Transfer dressings are excellent wound care products for exuding wounds. Also, their significant antibiotic property makes them the ideal choice of wound dressing for infected wounds.
References
- Silverstein, P., Heimbach, D., Meites, H., Latenser, B., Mozingo, D., Mullins, F., Garner, W., Turkowski, J., Shupp, J., Glat, P., & Purdue, G. (2011). An open, parallel, randomized, comparative, multicenter study to evaluate the cost-effectiveness, performance, tolerance, and safety of a silver-containing soft silicone foam dressing (intervention) vs silver sulfadiazine cream. Journal of Burn Care & Research: Official Publication of the American Burn Association, 32(6), 617–626. https://doi.org/10.1097/BCR.0b013e318236fe31
- Bredow, J., Hoffmann, K., Oppermann, J., Hellmich, M., Eysel, P., & Zarghooni, K. (2018). Evaluation of absorbent versus conventional wound dressing. Deutsches Arzteblatt International, 115(13), 213. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2018.0213
- Wounds International. International consensus. Appropriate use of silver dressings in wounds. An expert working group consensus. London, UK: Wounds Int; 2012 [cited 14 Sep 2017]. URL: http://www.woundsinternational.com/media/issues/567/files/content_10381.pdf.