Smith & Nephew Allevyn Composite Foam Dressing

Composite Foam Dressings

The Smith & Nephew Allevyn Composite Foam Dressings can play a key role in the process of wound healing. The composite foam dressing pads form a cushioning protection for wounds. They are made from a highly absorbent foamed polyurethane gel that have a protective top layer film. In addition the pads form a light adhesive to dry skin which works to keep the pad in place throughout the duration of wound care treatment. Beyond basic woundcare, these pads feature gradations which make them great for use with compression therapy.

The highly absorbent nature of the foam is part of what allows it to work as an efficient wound dressing. These dressings get their effectiveness from the hydrophilic polyurethane foam material they are composed of. There are various absorption rates of the different foams on the market. In some cases the foam dressing is surrounded by a border of adhesive tape. The more highly absorbent foams require less frequent dressing changes which is necessary in situations in which a caregiver is involved. Foam pads that are able to absorb bodily fluids and effectively prevent it from having contact with the wound will decrease potentially harmful softening of the surrounding tissue.

These composite foam dressings are often used in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. This type of leg ulcer is the most common form of chronic wound in the Western world, according to physicians. The principles of moisture used to aid in wound healing is very often used alongside graduated compression bandaging. This two-part method has been found to be extremely effective, and so has become a conventional form of treatment for venous leg ulcers.

It's important that patients stay vested in their recovery process as there are large variances among wound dressings that must be considered when putting together a treatment plan.