Wound Dressing Management for Skin Substitute

Proper Wound Dressing Protocol

• When changing the outer dressings, use sterile technique to minimize infection risk, as recommended by the International Journal of Surgery 1
• Inspect the wound edges for signs of infection without disturbing the xeroform and skin substitute, following guidelines from a medical insights society 2

Monitoring for Complications

• Document and report excessive drainage or purulent discharge that soaks through to the outer dressings, as well as foul odor from the wound site, increased erythema around the wound edges, patient reports of increased pain, and dislodgement of the dressing or skin substitute, according to a medical insights society 2

Potential Pitfalls to Avoid

• Avoid excessive moisture that could macerate the surrounding skin and compromise the skin substitute, as warned by the International Journal of Surgery 1
• Ensure the coban wrap provides adequate pressure without being too tight, which could compromise circulation, as advised by the International Journal of Surgery 1