A snapshot of the products you may use in practice.
COMPOSITE DRESSINGS
Action
Composite dressings combine 2 or more physiologically distinct products and are manufactured as a single dressing with several functions. Features must include a bacterial barrier; an absorptive layer other than an alginate, foam, hydrocolloid, or hydrogel; a semiadherent or nonadherent property for covering the wound; and an adhesive border.
Indications
FIGURE
Composite dressings may be used as primary or secondary dressings for partial and full-thickness wounds with minimal to heavy exudate, healthy granulation tissue, or necrotic tissue (slough or moist eschar) or mixed wounds (granulation and necrotic tissue).
Advantages
* May facilitate autolytic debridement
* Allow for exchange of moisture vapor
* Mold well
* May be used on infected wounds
* Easy to apply and remove
* Include an adhesive border
Disadvantages
* Require a border of intact skin for anchoring the dressing
Source: Hess CT. Clinical Guide: Wound Care. Fourth Edition. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corporation; 2002.