Table 2

Classification of Advanced Wound Dressings Used for Diabetic Foot Ulcers Healing24

Type Example

Duoderm
Hydrocolloids

Granuflex
Comfeel

Aquaform
Hydrogels
 Intrasite
Gel Aquaflo

Allevyn

Foams

Cavicare
Biatain
Tegaderm

Tegaderm
Films

Opsite

Calcium alginate dressing

Alginates

Kaltostat
 Sorbalgon
Medihoney

Acticoat
Silver-impregnated

Urgosorb Silver

Source: Yazdanpanah L, Nasiri M,

Adarvishi S. Literature review on the
management of diabetic foot ulcer. World J
Diabetes. 2015;6(1):37–53. Reprinted with
permission.
 Explanation Advantages Disadvantages

Dressings usually composed of

a hydrocolloid matrix bonded
Concerns about use for
onto a vapor permeable film or
Absorbent; can be left for infected wounds; may
foam backing. When in contact
several days; aids autolysis cause maceration;
with the wound surface, this
unpleasant odor
matrix forms a gel to provide a
moist environment.

These dressings consist of

cross-linked insoluable
polymers (ie, starch or
carboxymethylcellulose) and up
Concerns about use for
to 96% water. They are
infected wounds; may
designed to absorb wound Absorbent; donate liquid; aid
cause maceration;
exudate or rehydrate a wound, autolysis
using for highly
depending on the wound
exudative wounds
moisture levels. They are
supplied in flat sheets, an
amorphous hydrogel, or as
beads.
 beads.

These dressings normally

contain hydrophilic
Highly absorbent and protective; Occasional dermatitis
polyurethane foam and are
manipulate easily; can be left up with adhesive; bulky;
designed to absorb wound
to 7 days; thermal insulation may cause maceration
exudate and maintain a moist
wound surface.

Film dressings often form part May need wetting

of the construction of other before removal; not
dressings, such as Cheap; easily manipulated; suitable for infected
hydrocolloids, foams, hydrogel permeable to water vapor and wounds;
sheets, and composite dressings, oxygen but not to water nonabsorbent; if fluid
which are made of several microorganisms collects under film it
materials with film being used must be drained or the
as outer layer. film replaced

The alginate forms a gel when

in contact with the wound
surface, which can be lifted off
Highly absorbent; bacteriostatic; May need wetting
with dressing removal or rinsed
hemostatic; useful in cavities before removal
away with sterile saline;
bonding to a secondary viscose
pad increases absorbency
bonding to a secondary viscose
pad increases absorbency

Antiseptic; absorbent; reduce

These dressing are used to treat
odor; improved pain-related
infected wounds, as silver ions
symptoms; decrease wound High cost
are thought to have
exudates; prolonged dressing
antimicrobial properties.
wear time