Transparent dressings

Sheets of polyurethane coated with an adhesive

Transparent dressings are

Transparent dressings are moisture vapor permeable meaning:

Allows 1 way passage of moisture and O₂ out, nothing allowed in

Moisture permeable also means that this dressing is what?

waterproof and does not allow stuff in so it is impermeable to bacteria and contaminants

Actions of transparent dressings:

• promotes moist wound healing

• promotes autolytic debridement

• provides protection from shear, trauma and bacterial invasion

• Can protect blisters if covering a blister

When to use a transparent dressing

• can be with/as  as a primary or secondary dressing

• Partial or full thickness wounds

• little to no minimal drainage covered with dry necrotic tissue

• Non infected wounds

• Can use over  IV cath sites and others to protect skin as well

How often to change transparent dressings?

1-7 days

Contraindications of transparent dressing

Do not use transparent dressings on the following

• Moderate to heavy exudate (messy and not good)

• 3rd degree burns

• Fragile skin

• Suspected infection

• Fungal/ hepatic lesions

General tips for using transparent dressing

leave a 1-2 inch border around INTACT skin

Skin must be clean and dry in order to use

Can cause maceration if exudate extends onto the skin