Choosing the Right Wound Care Products

If you are dealing with a wound, selecting the right products can make all the difference. There are plenty of options on the market, and it can seem overwhelming at first glance. Your wound type will determine which wound care products are best for your specific situation. 

We’ll break that down in the sections below. It also helps to consult a medical professional familiar with your case for directions on which products to use. 

Types of Wounds

There are several types of wounds, each with its own special care plan. The style of wound dressing, products, and overall instructions depend on your wound type and severity. 

Here’s an explanation revolving around some common types of wounds:  

• Surgical wounds: This includes incisions made during an operation. These wounds need sterile and absorbent dressings that also help prevent infection. 
• Diabetic foot ulcers: Dressings used for diabetic foot ulcers should encourage a moist healing environment and help prevent further discomfort. 
• Pressure ulcers: These wounds, also known as bed sores, appear due to chronic pressure on the skin. Dressings covering pressure ulcers should offer protection from friction and promote healing. 
• Venous ulcers: Common treatments for these include dressings that protect against further complications and compression therapy to improve circulation. 
• Burns: Treatment depends on the severity of the burn, but the top priority is finding dressings that soothe the area and prevent the risk of infection. 
• Abrasions: These are scrapes, scratches, and brush burns that need dressings to keep the wound moist while preventing infection. 
• Lacerations: These are cuts or tears in the skin that often need dressings that can handle fluid and bleeding while covering irregular wound shapes. 

Best Wound Care Products for Different Types of Wounds

Now that we have outlined the common types of wounds let’s go into more depth about the wound care products used in each of these situations. This guide is meant to be a rule of thumb, pointing you toward typical options for each wound scenario. For personalized recommendations, consult a medical professional who knows your case and medical history. 

Diabetic Foot Ulcers Treatment

When dealing with diabetic foot ulcers, a three-step treatment plan is usually recommended: 

1. Take pressure off the affected area. Put as little weight on the foot as possible, sometimes involving crutches or a walking boot in certain situations. 
2. Clean and debride the area. This is where products like Debrisoft come in, as they are specially made to clean and debride wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers. 
3. Choose the correct dressing. Hydrocolloid dressings tend to work well for diabetic foot ulcers. However, a foam dressing is preferred if your wound has a high amount of exudate, as they can absorb much better than other dressing types. 

A specific dressing that stands out for diabetic foot ulcers is the DuoDERM CGF Border Dressing, which uses hydrocolloid properties for “hard-to-dress” areas – like legs and feet. 

Remember that wounds can be complex and treated on a case-by-case basis. For more information, check out our full guide on Diabetic Foot Ulcers and refer to your medical professional for the best treatment options in your personal case. 

Best Dressings for Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers follow a similar treatment plan as diabetic foot ulcers in the previous section. If you notice this wound type flaring up, it’s best to contact a medical professional. From here, they will clean the area and recommend a dressing to promote healing and protect against further damage. 

One dressing that works well for pressure ulcers is the Mepilex® Border Flex. It’s flexible, with five layers of protection that also absorb exudate. This dressing can be lifted with very little pain, so the patient can check on the pressure ulcer while reapplying several times. This is key, as pressure ulcers need to be checked regularly. 

You can read more about this condition in our Pressure Ulcers Treatment and Prevention guide. 

Treating Burn Wounds

When treating burns, the main objectives are to promote healing and relief while preventing infection. Specialized dressings that keep the wound moist while having antimicrobial properties can help. That includes the following: 

• Medihoney Gel Wound and Burn Dressing: This is recommended for first—and second-degree burns, not third-degree ones. First, you clean the area, apply the gel, and then cover it with a secondary dressing to protect and cover the area. The gel will offer relief to the site and promote healing. 
• Foam Dressings: These are for burns with high fluid content, as foam dressings have high absorption capabilities. 

For further information, browse our dressing and treatment options for Burn Wounds, where numerous products are available for different burn wound types. 

Surgical Wounds

When treating surgical wounds, the main priorities revolve around managing fluids, reducing infection risk, and maintaining moisture for optimal healing. One dressing that checks those boxes is the Mepilex Ag Foam Dressing, a comfortable option that prevents leaks, deactivates pathogens, and reduces odor. The dressing prevents irritation to the wound and surrounding skin using Safetac technology.   

Check out our complete Surgical Wound Catalog for more products to help with this wound type. Other products include other specialized dressings, gauze, tape, gel, and paste. 

How to Properly Care for a Wound

No matter the wound type, there are several key steps to follow when deciding how to care for a wound. They are as follows: 

• Wash your hands. Use soap and water to wash your hands. Consider wearing gloves to avoid infection. 
• Apply pressure if bleeding. Use sterile gauze to apply pressure until the bleeding subsides. Seek medical attention if the bleeding does not show signs of slowing down even after prolonged pressure. 
• Clean the wound. Use sterile water and saline. Apply a cream or ointment – like an antibiotic cream if needed. 
• Put a dressing or bandage over the wound. Consult a medical professional for the best dressing for your situation. Change the dressing regularly. Watch for bleeding, exudate, or signs of infection (redness, swelling, fever, pain). 

From here, keep an eye on the wound when changing your dressing. Does it appear to be healing? If it worsens, consult with a medical professional as soon as possible.