The Benefits of Sodium Chloride
Sodium chloride dressings are hypertonic wound dressings, which implies that they have a higher osmotic activity than most wounds [2]. This unique feature allows sodium chloride dressings to draw water from wounds, clean exudating wounds, remove devitalized tissues from wounds, and create a moist environment that aids in quick recovery from injuries [1] [2].
Other beneficial features of sodium chloride wound dressings include;
- They are ideal for discharging wounds: The hypertonic property of sodium chloride dressings makes them ideal for moderately and heavily discharging wounds [1]. They seamlessly absorb exudates from wounds. In addition, they absorb germs from injuries, decreasing the bacterial burden in wounds and preventing severe infection.
- They are easy to apply and cost-effective: Sodium chloride dressings are very easy to handle. Also, they are affordable. Considering that they reduce wound infection and are effective for discharging wounds, they are quite a bargain compared to other wound dressings.
Indications for Sodium Chloride Dressings
You can apply sodium chloride dressings to these types of wounds;
- Wounds with significant exudates
- Infected wounds
- Wounds with necrotic tissue
- Wounds with deep cavities
- Pressure sores
How to Use Sodium Chloride (Hypertonic) Dressings
Applying a sodium chloride dressing is a simple process. If you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, you shouldn't have any problems. Using these dressings on your wounds correctly can be done by following these instructions.
- Clean the wound and surrounding skin with a disinfectant or normal saline.
- Pat the wound area dry to enhance the fixation of the dressing to the wound
- Open the dressing package aseptically.
- Apply the dressing to the wound. In wounds with large cavities, loosely pack the sodium chloride dressings into the wound cavity. Do not soak the dressings with normal saline or disinfectant; this may affect the ability of the dressings to absorb fluids from the wound.
- Secure sodium chloride dressings with an adherent cover dressing or bandage.
It is crucial that you change sodium chloride (hypertonic) dressings as often as possible. Most experts suggest daily dressing changes. This increases its ability to remove infected exudates, dead tissues, and germs from wounds, improving healing.
Conclusion
Sodium chloride dressings are unique wound care products that can remove dead tissues and infected discharge from wounds. They are ideal for the non-surgical treatment of necrotic wounds.
References
- Agbim, S. (2008). Hypertonic sodium chloride gauze dressing: A cost conscious debridement approach 2200. Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing, 35(3), S6. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.won.0000319262.69606.2e
- Lim, J. K., Saliba, L., Smith, M. J., McTavish, J., Raine, C., & Curtin, P. (2000). Normal saline wound dressing--is it really normal? British Journal of Plastic Surgery, 53(1), 42–45. https://doi.org/10.1054/bjps.1999.3246