What is foam gauze?
Foam gauze is a wound dressing made of semi-permeable polyurethane, foam gauze containing foaming polymer solutions with small, open cells that may contain fluid. These cells can be layered with other materials. Absorption capacity varies depending on the thickness of the gauze. Foam gauze is also known as sponge gauze, foam gauze bandage, foam sponge gauze, foam pressure bandage …
The contact area of the foam dressing is non-sticky and does not peel off, so the dressing is easy to remove, soft to the contact site, cushioning the pressure spots. The outer layer of the tape is usually hydrophobic or impermeable to prevent bacteria and other contaminants.
Foam gauze lines with or without an adhesive border and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some foam swabs also include a bacterial barrier made from a transparent membrane. In addition, some sponge swabs are impregnated with anti-bacterial agents such as silver sponge gauze, Manuka honey, cadexomer iodine, antibiotics, etc.
Features of foam gauze
The main feature of sponge gauze is that they help maintain a moist environment for the wound. The important role of gauze is to help the gauze to become a wound cushion, providing insulation for the wound. Sponge gauze is easy to apply and remove, no impact on the wound. Styrofoam gauze impregnated with silver and antibacterial agents can be used during infection and during compression therapy. In addition, sponge gauze is compatible with de-fermenting agents. Depending on the amount of discharge, the dressing has a shelf life of one to seven days.
Re-emphasizing the advantages and role of foam gauze is designed to fulfill one of the primary goals of wound care, which is to create a moist environment conducive to wound healing.
Styrofoam gauze for infected wounds.
Styrofoam gauze is one of the advanced dressing products, which helps to play a big role in the wound healing process. Not to mention is a product of silver-impregnated sponge gauze for infected wounds, pressure sores, helping to protect the wound area from bacteria. (With Hetis sponge gauze impregnated with silver, it has the ability to kill microorganisms up to 99.99% against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcus aureus), Staphylococcus cholermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (directly). cyanobacteria), Candida albicans) and creates an ideal moist environment that promotes healing.
When should I use foam gauze?
Sponge gauze is applied to wounds with moderate to heavy exudation such as: scratches, incisions, lacerations, pressure sores, burns, infected wounds and exuding wounds… Products This product can be used as a primary dressing (in direct contact with the wound) or a secondary dressing (used to cover the primary dressing for protective purposes).
What are the advantages and disadvantages of foam gauze?
Styrofoam swabs are often prescribed for their greatest advantage: providing a warm, moist environment that is ideal to aid in healing, providing a soft, comfortable feel to the user. However, very few people know all the advantages of foam gauze. As follows:
- Don’t stick to the wound
- Acts as a cushion to protect the affected area, reducing pressure
- Provides a barrier against bacteria
- Used in case of infection
- Suitable for wounds with increased sweating
- Can be used in compression therapy
- Easy to apply and remove
With the advantages but also must mention the disadvantages of foam gauze:
- Wounds can dry if there is no or too little secretions to absorb that will not be suitable for sponge gauze
- The surrounding skin may appear desquamated if it becomes saturated with secretions.
- These dressings are not suitable for third-degree burns, sinus wounds, or dry wounds.
Instructions for using foam gauze
If your doctor has determined that foam gauze is the most appropriate choice for your wound, you should consult your doctor’s instructions for use and removal of the sponge. The basic steps will be as follows:
User manual:
- Clean the area with saline solution or other antiseptic solutions
- Dry the surrounding skin with a sterile gauze pad
- Apply foam gauze to extend beyond the edge of the wound by at least 1-2cm
- Cover with a secondary bandage if needed (Usually clear gauze) – if the dressing does not border the adhesive, you may need to use a bandage or wrap to keep it in place
Styrofoam type: Simply peel off the product and repeat the cleaning process.
Please apply the correct instructions of the consulting doctor, depending on each specific case, the steps will be different. Not all wounds are the same.
Currently, in addition to foam gauze, there are many more developed lines of foam gauze such as:
- Styrofoam gauze impregnated with silver
- Sterile sponge gauze with tape
- Silicone Foam Gauze
- Borderless silicone foam gauze