Index
It is a sterile hydrostatic hydropolymeric patch that is composed of two layers.
The inner layer that comes into contact with the wound and consists of hydrophilic polymeric elements (polysaccharides) such as gelatin (collagen and other proteins), pectin, cellulose (of origin from algae, mainly brown algae), fitted in an adhesive polymer patch , and Β.
The waterproof outer layer consists of a foamy polyurethane layer.
The hydrocolloid dressings possess gel characteristics which are used to absorb filtration of injury or wound to protect the wound and bacteria that can cause infection.
Hydrocolloid dressings help allow the wound to debride in an autolytic manner, which refers to the body using enzymes to naturally break down dead tissue. This allows for natural self-healing that does not require the use of surgical procedures.
Why is DuoDERM used to treat pressure ulcers?
DuoDERM dressing bandages prevent oxygen, bacteria and water vapor from penetrating the bandage. DuoDERM has become incredibly popular because it is a non-adherent wound dressing.
DuoDERM is also a wound care treatment that can be easily removed without damaging the skin underneath.
DuoDERM Bandage Dressings are ideal for wounds that experience mild to moderate leakage. A DuoDERM dressing can be used on all types of pressure ulcers, including stages 1, 2, 3, and 4.
A DuoDERM dressing can be used on a wound for several days. However, the exact length of time that a DuoDERM dressing will be effective will largely depend on the moisture present in the wound.
In most cases, a DuoDERM dressing can stay on a wound for three to seven days. One of the benefits of choosing DuoDERM is that it is ideal for wounds that are wet and will stay in place even in a humid environment.
Since a DuoDERM patch can create a moisture barrier, it is important to always make sure the sores are not infected, as a DuoDERM dressing will only make the problem worse.
As long as there is no infection, a DuoDERM patch will usually cause a wound to start smelling strongly after a couple of days without any cause for concern.
Again, due to the containment of healthy moisture within the DuoDERM patch, the development of an odor can be expected.
What special properties does the DuoDERM dressing have?
The DuoDERM dressing is available in various forms and is specifically designed to be used in difficult and hard-to-reach places.
The DuoDERM dressing is different from other hydrocolloid dressings in that it offers a visual change indicator that allows you to determine when to change a dressing or that of a loved one.
The DuoDERM dressing takes the guesswork out of dressing changes and lets you know exactly when to change the dressing to maximize healing.
How is a DuoDERM dressing applied?
One of the great advantages of the DuoDERM patch is that it is easy to apply and remove.
The transparent backing of the DuoDERM dressing allows easy placement and monitoring of the wound during the healing process. Not only this, but the tapered edge of the DuoDERM patch can be contoured in almost any difficult area of the body.
When applying the wound dressing, you should:
- Make sure your hands have been well washed.
- Clean the wound with a saline solution.
- Remove the dressing from the sleeve.
- Remove the release paper and margin tabs.
- Apply wound care treatment.
- Ensure good contact with the skin on all sides.
You can make sure this is done correctly by taking care to smooth out the creases.
When in doubt, feel free to look at the packaging of your wound care treatment to ensure that you are using the optimal method of applying and securing your hydrocolloid bandages.
How often should you change a DuoDERM dressing?
These bandages can usually stay in place for three to seven days. Be sure to pay close attention to any signs of infection, as this would require immediate removal of the bandage and further treatment.
How is the DuoDERM dressing removed after use?
Caution is essential when removing the DuoDERM dressing so as not to irritate the skin or cause additional damage to the wound.
To remove:
Carefully remove the edges of the bandage.
Continue to remove taking care to pull in the direction of hair growth.
Treatment of pressure ulcers with DuoDERM
What are bedsores?
Also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers, bedsores are lesions that affect the skin and lower layers.
Ulcers are caused by prolonged pressure applied to the skin and can often appear quickly and without warning. In many cases, a simple change of position can eliminate the problem. However, this may not always be the case.
For the most part, bedsores form in the areas of the skin that cover the bony parts of the body, including the ankles, hips, heels, and tailbone, but they can appear in many other areas as well.
Where bedsores develop and how severe they are depends largely on the individual’s position, the amount of pressure applied, and the amount of time the position has been held.
Who is most at risk for bedsores?
Since pressure ulcers require prolonged pressure on a particular area of the skin, they are more common for those who remain in bed or on bed rest for an extended period of time.
Generally, people with certain medical conditions that limit their ability to move or change positions are the most likely to be affected. However, bedsores can also occur when people spend most of their time in bed or even in a chair.
Unfortunately, bedsores can happen very quickly. While there are several treatments and wound care treatment options available to treat bedsores once they occur, it is always best to try to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
If you need bed rest or if movement is limited, try to change your position as much as possible, pay close attention to your skin, and take note of any changes in its coloration or texture.
What are some of the signs and symptoms of bed sores?
As mentioned, bedsores can come on pretty quickly. However, in most cases, there are some warning signs that you can watch out for. Doing so can help you reduce the severity of the sores or prevent them from occurring altogether.
Some of the more common symptoms of pressure ulcers include:
- Changes in skin color or texture.
- Swelling of the skin
- Pus: as drainage from the skin.
- Parts of the skin that feel colder or hotter than the rest.
- Skin tender to the touch.
There are several stages of eschar, each of which is defined based on the severity, depth, and additional characteristics of the wound.
The extent of damage and injury can vary greatly, from slightly red skin to a deep injury involving the skin, muscle, and even the bone underneath.
What are the most common places for bedsores?
Pressure ulcers can technically occur in virtually any area of the skin. However, there are some areas of the body that are simply more prone to ulcers due to the proximity of the skin to the bone.
The location of a person depends on the position the person is in.
For those in wheelchairs, bedsores usually appear in the following areas:
- Buttocks and tailbone.
- Spine and shoulder blades.
- Behind the legs and arms.
For people who are confined to their bed, the most common areas for ulcers include:
- Sides and back of the head.
- Shoulder blades.
- Lower back.
- Hips and coccyx.
- Heels and ankles.
- Behind the knees
No matter where bedsores may appear, it is important to seek medical attention and get proper wound care treatment. With proper wound dressing, bedsores can be properly cared for and infection prevented.
What are the types of bedsores?
Bedsores are classified according to severity. There are four main types of bedsores, and these are:
- Stage 1 : the initial stage of an endive. The skin is still intact, but a red mark has appeared on the skin that is hot or cold when touched. It can be painful at this stage, but it won’t necessarily be.
- Stage 2 : the endive is now an open wound. The outer layer of the skin has been destroyed or rubbed off. The dermis may also be showing signs of damage. The area is typically red or pink.
- Stage 3 : The pressure sore is now quite deep. The loss of skin is very serious and the fat may even be showing. The sore is deep and the skin inside will be yellow or dead.
- Stage 4 : the worst form of bedsores. Tissue loss is common, and muscle and tendon damage is also possible. It is also common for tendons, muscles, and even bones to show through the ulcer. Dead tissue may even appear at the bottom and at the edges of the wound.
Sores progress rapidly in severity if left untreated, which is why treating them and acquiring the proper wound dressing is so important.
If avoided, the end result could be bedsores that have progressed to the point of being uncontrollable to even the most skilled physician and professional caregiver.
Other presentations of the DuoDERM
Pasta
The duoDERM paste is composed of natural hydrocolloids in an excipient authorized for use in dermatology and is hypoallergenic.
The paste interacts with the exudate of the lesion to constitute a humid environment in the lesion that favors the healing process by contributing to the autolytic debridement and allowing the atraumatic removal of the dressing without damaging the new scar tissues.
Gel 30 g
For dry wounds in hydration, gel facilitates autolytic debridement, hydrates bringing the necessary moisture to dry, necrotic wounds that present slough or granulation tissue.
