Contact Layers
Contact layer dressings are single layer, either woven or nonwoven materials designed to protect fragile tissue in the wound bed. They can be perforated or permeable, allowing exudates to pass through into another dressing layer or into a secondary dressing. These dressings are usually very thin and nonadherent. Contact layer dressings should be used on clean wounds that are free of necrotic tissue and may be used with topical medications. In deep wounds, packing gauze may be needed to keep the contact layer dressing fitted to the wound bed. Refer to the manufacturer's package insert for additional information.
Protection of new tissue growth from trauma; allows passage of wound fluid; may be left in place up to 1 week with changes of secondary dressing as needed.
Cannot be used with third-degree burns; not recommended for shallow or small-sized wounds; in the presence of viscous exudates or in wounds with tunneling or extensive undermining.
Dermanet® (DeRoyal); Drynet® Wound Veils (Smith & Nephew, Inc.); Mepitel® Soft Silicone Wound Contact Layer (Molnlycke Health Care); Tegapore™ Wound Contact Material (3M Health Care).
Dermatology Nursing. 2005;17(2):143-144. © 2005 Jannetti Publications, Inc.
Cite this: So, What Do I Put on This Wound? Making Sense of the Wound Dressing Puzzle: Part 1 - Medscape - Apr 01, 2005.
