A snapshot of the products you may use in practice.
WOUND FILLERS
Action
Wound fillers are agents manufactured in a variety of forms, including pastes, granules, powders, beads, and gels. They provide a moist wound-healing environment, absorb exudate, and help debride the wound bed by softening the necrotic tissue.
Indications
FIGURE
Wound fillers may be used as primary dressings to manage partial- and full-thickness wounds, minimally to moderately exuding wounds, infected and noninfected wounds, and wounds requiring packing to fill dead space.
Advantages
* May be absorbent
* Promote autolytic debridement
* Easy to apply and remove
* May be used in combination with other products
* Fill dead space.
Disadvantages
* Require secondary dressing
* Most dry wound fillers aren't recommended for use in dry wounds.
Source: Hess CT. Clinical Guide: Wound Care. Fourth Edition. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corporation; 2002.