Transparent Dressings / Transparent Film Dressings

Adherent film dressings are sometimes referred to as semi-permeable dressings, since they are permeable to oxygen carbon dioxide and water vapor, but are occlusive to other substances. 

There are transparent occlusive film dressings, but those are much less commonly used than the regular semipermeable transparent adhesive film dressings. 

Advantages of Transparent Dressings

There are many advantages to transparent dressings. These dressings can only be used in certain circumstances, but when applicable for use, there are many benefits the medical professional and the patient will derive from utilizing a transparent wound barrier. 

Durable: Transparent dressings are available from acclaimed companies such as Mepore and Tegaderm. These dressings are high quality and durable. Flexible: These dressings are flexible, and conform to the wound. Because they have this contouring ability, they can be used on bony prominences such as the heels, the sacrum, or the elbows. Adhesive border: These dressings typically feature an adhesive border, thereby eliminating the need for bandage tape. Usually waterproof: Transparent dressings don’t allow water to seep in, so these dressings can be worn during showering or bathing. This is extremely advantageous because the risk of wound trauma goes up in proportion to the amount of times the dressing is removed. Using a transparent waterproof film dressing reduces the amount of necessary dressing changes. Transparency: As mentioned previously, these wound dressings are clear. This makes it easy to see at any time what’s going on at the wound bed. Various sizes & shapes: There are many different options of transparent adhesive bandages and dressings. Find the one that will best fit your wound, for an optimal healing and recovery process. Breathability:

When to Use for Transparent Film Dressings for Wounds

Transparent film dressings can be used for many different types of wounds. Here are some of the more common utilizations for these dressings. Note that clear dressings can only be used for wounds with minimal drainage - clear surgical dressings or bandages should not be used for any wound with a lot of drainage, even ones that fall into one of the categories below. 

• Partial-thickness wounds
• Minor burns
• Skin tears and lacerations
• Donor sites
• Over suture lines (post-operative)
• Red granular wounds
• Yellow slough covered wounds
• Secure IV’s
• Secure catheters and other tubing
• Shallow granular wounds
• Full thickness wounds with dry necrotic tissue
• Protect bony prominences
• Protection of intact skin
• Dead tissue requiring debridement

When Not to Use Transparent Wound Dressings

There are circumstances in which transparent wound dressings should be avoided at all costs. You’ll see them pinpointed immediately below. In these situations, transparent dressings, simply put, are not the way to go. 

• Infected wounds
• Third-degree burns
• Wound with fragile skin
• Wound with moderate or more exudate
• Wound with moist surfaces
• Wound with fungal infection
• Active herpetic lesions
• Wounds with high risk of periwound maceration

How to Choose Transparent Dressings

Choosing a transparent thin film dressing is not very complicated. There are a few pointers we’ll provide you with, and then you can go and choose the transparent dressing that seems best for you. 

First of all, pick a transparent semipermeable film dressing that will provide your wound with a 1-2 inch space on all sides between the dressing center and the adhesive border. This is very important, since if the adhesive gets on the wound area, it can cause trauma. 

Be sure to find the right shape waterproof dressing for your wound. There are square dressings, rectangular dressings, sacral dressings, and other shaped film wound dressings - don’t just use any; take advantage of the options and choose the one that works best for your circumstances. 

How Long Can A Transparent Dressing Be Worn For?

A transparent dressing can generally be worn for three to five days. If the dressing gets loose, or starts peeling, or if the skin in the area appears red or irritated, the dressing must be changed. It is usually a good idea to reevaluate whether this dressing makes sense to still use, or not. 

Advantages of Transparent Dressings

Transparent dressings don’t need to be changed as frequently. They also allow the user to see the wound through the dressing while the area is enclosed; this transparent wound barrier keeps the wound more protected from bacteria. Being waterproof, these dressings can be worn in the bath or shower. Since transparent dressings are flexible, they can be used for wounds on bony prominences, such as on the elbow or ankle. 

Disadvantages of Transparent Dressings

There are a few advantages one should be aware of before choosing transparent dressings. One factor you may not have known is that transparent dressings can cause periwound maceration - epidermal stripping or skin tears are possible when removing these bandages. Since the aforementioned can occur, these bandages are not recommended for use by seniors or other individuals with fragile skin. Aside from that, keep in mind that these bandages may dislodge in areas with high friction, as well as in moist places. 

Healthcare professionals use transparent dressings in many situations - for instance, when inserting an intravenous tube, or when the wound requires constant observation. These dressings are dependable, and trusted by doctors and nurses all over. If you ever visit a hospital, look out for them. They’re being used all over. 

Find high quality transparent dressings at excellent prices on AvaCare Medical now! Choose from our huge selection of quality transparent dressings from trusted brands. Shop now!