Learn More On Understanding Collagen Wound Dressing

By Beryl Dalton


Wounds are a nuisance especially when they get infected or if they are chronic. Collagen wound dressing provides an easier way to make them heal much faster. Also, the dressing has an antimicrobial patch which limits potential infections. Despite the fact that they are a new concept to most patients, they are ideal in healing most types of wounds such as second degree burns and skin grafts.

Over the years, collagen dressing have been identified as wound healers or rather catalysts that enhances the healing process by creating a moist environment that creates a suitable condition for the healing process. It usually is harvested from animals such as cattle and horses.

For starters, collagen is a protein. Its found naturally in humans whose function is to help close up a wound and speed the recovery process. This happens because of its ability to attract fibroblasts and keratinocytes to the site of broken skin. Subsequently, it encourages debridement, re-growth of epithelial cells and angiogenesis. Lastly, it is a natural scaffold for growth of new tissues and responsible for giving the skin its tensile strength. Fibroblasts bring together the matrix to form stronger scar.

Dressings made from the biological material are available in variety of pore sizes and surface areas and may be in form of gels, pastes, powders or sheets that are placed on broken skin. These attributes enhances management aspects of the healing process. They are changed every seven days on average to remain effective. Since they last a while without the need to change, they are economical for the patient and maintain the environment for a while.

Collagen is used on only certain types of wounds. For example, those emanating from graft sites, abrasions or surgical processes. In addition, those caused by pressure, diabetic and venous ulcers are treated with this type of dressing. Therefore, it works best with partial or full thick wounds, necrotic, chronic non-healing and those with minimal to heavy exudates. First and second degree burns are also healed.

Collagen power is limited to only certain medical conditions. For instance, it is not recommended for patients with third degree burns. Contraindication is announced for sensitivity to pig, horse and bird or cattle materials. In addition, its not recommended for patients sensitive to silver as it is used in the antimicrobial section. Its also contraindicated for patients with active vasculities. Note that it may be used for compression therapy but a trained medical practitioner has to be present for supervision.

Note that collagen dressing and its contents are usually meant for a single patient only. Also, they are strictly for external use. During use, one ought to make certain that contact with the intact skin or the edges of this wound are minimal. It should be noted that contacting the unaffected parts can be detrimental to the skin cells. Lastly, its a legal precaution for one to buy from a physician and under the advice of physician.

Collagen is superior to other conventional materials because it is easy to apply. It is also natural and pain free, therefore, it does not induce immunogenic reactions. Since it is a key component of the healing process, it speeds up the process artificially. If the healing process stalls, the dressings also help in jump starting and speeding up the process. Fibroblasts bring together the matrix to form stronger scar.




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