How and When to Apply a Collagen Dressing

How and When to Apply a Collagen Dressing

Collagen dressings are an advanced wound care product that can help enhance wound healing by promoting wound repair and improvement of skin and connective tissues. Using an appropriate collagen advanced wound care dressing can help stimulate stalled wounds, encouraging the deposition and organization of newly formed collagen fibers and granulation in the wound bed.
There are various types of collagen dressing technologies and formats available such as gels, pastes, solutions, pads, sheets, powder, and particles. Collagen dressings can be used on superficial, partial, or full thickness type wounds including etiologies like diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, arterial ulcers, pressure ulcers, trauma wounds, and others. Other indications include chronic or hard-to-heal wounds that have stalled in the inflammatory healing phase and wounds with minimal to heavy drainage.
Collagen dressings are used as a primary dressing that comes into contact with the wound bed. Kollagen Technology products like Medifil® II collagen particles, SkinTemp® II collagen sheets, and Collatek collagen gel are derived from a bovine source in a native form. Native collagen allows superior stability of the original collagen molecule and scaffolding throughout the phases of wound healing. Maintaining the original characteristic three-dimensional collagen molecule structure is imperative in optimizing healing outcomes.
The first step to applying a collagen wound dressing is to first cleanse the wound with gauze and a non-cytotoxic wound cleanser advised by your doctor. Cleanse the surrounding skin, as bacteria can also harbor bacteria. This is especially important in preventing and managing biofilm. Biofilm is found in 80-90% of chronic wounds, delaying healing.
The collagen dressing is designed to be applied directly to the wound bed containing live tissue or granulation. Be sure to always follow the collagen dressing instructions. The collagen sheet dressing size is determined by the length, width, and depth of the wound. If you are using particles or powder, apply it to the entire wound bed surface area. Collagen gel is applied generously to the wound bed. Be sure to apply the collagen (any variation) in deeper areas of the wound.
Cover the collagen dressing with an absorbent dressing like a gauze or foam. Avoid using tape on the skin to secure the dressing unless it is a gentle tape. The dressing should be changed depending on the wound drainage amount. Collagen can be used daily for up to 7 days. Collagen should not be used on third-degree burns or derived source sensitivities (bovine i.e.).

Human BioSciences, Inc. blog offers education and tips; however,the information provided by this website or company is not a substitute for medical treatment or advice.

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