Alginate Dressing / Alginate Wound Dressing

What are Alginate Dressings?

Alginate dressings are extremely absorbent biodegradable dressings, sourced from calcium alginate fibers of brown algae. As the calcium fibers of brown seaweed absorb sodium ions from the exudate, the sodium and calcium react to each other by swelling and then partially dissolving into a hydrophilic gel. 

The gel works to disintegrate dead tissue, helps the skin to revitalize itself by developing granulation (in other words, new) tissue, eliminates harmful bacteria, and provides the wound with a moist environment that is conducive to healing. 

Alginate dressings can absorb up to 20 times their own weight, and contour to the shape of the wound. This promotes ideal drainage of exudate. These seaweed dressings for wounds can also help with controlling light bleeding, and work to maintain a sterile wound environment. 

When to Use a Calcium Alginate Dressing

A calcium alginate dressing is designed for use on wounds with heavy exudate, or a lot of drainage. Here are some popular utilizations of calcium alginate for wounds. 

• Wounds with moderate or heavy drainage
• Acute wounds (8-12 weeks to heal)
• Chronic wounds (12+ weeks to heal)
• Skin tears
• Incisions
• Fungating lesions
• Full thickness wounds
• Chronic ulcers
• Burn wounds
• Venous or arterial wounds
• Pressure ulcers
• Toenail avulsions
• Full and partial-thickness burns
• Sinus tracts
• Donor sites

When Not to Use Calcium Alginate Wound Dressings

Before you stock up on these super absorbent dressings, bear in mind that calcium alginate wound dressings do come along with certain contraindications, and should not be used in the following situations: 

Types of Alginate Dressings

There are several types of alginate dressings to choose from. Each of these kinds of dressings has unique advantages, and are intended for different purposes. 

Alginate Sheets

Alginate Sheets are used on surface wounds. An alginate sheet can be cut to fit the wound properly. 

Alginate Ropes

Alginate ropes or ribbons are used to pack cavity wounds. This is also known as calcium alginate packing, or seaweed wound packing. 

Silver Alginate Dressings

Silver alginate dressings contain silver ions that work to help prevent bacterial contamination. 

Charcoal Alginate Dressings

Charcoal alginate bandages better contain odors emitted from the dressing. 

Zinc Calcium Alginate Dressings

Zinc has been proven to increase the speed of wound healing. At the same time, it helps to keep infection down. 

Collagen Alginate Dressings

Collagen wound dressings with alginate help to control infection and assist with growth of new tissue. 

Calcium Alginate Dressing Change Frequency

These dressings are designed to last between five and seven days. The exact duration of how long you can wear the bandage for will depend on the nature of the wound, and how much exudate there is. If exudate capacity is reached before five days, change the bandage when it is reached. If the area is infected, check at least once a day to see if the dressing requires changing yet. Changings will likely be very frequent if the area is infected. 

If you notice while changing that the alginate has not gelled, be aware that you are either changing the dressing too early or the wound is not secreting enough exudate, and you shouldn’t be using the alginate dressing. Using this dressing on an area that doesn’t have adequate drainage will cause the area to become dried out. 

Benefits of Alginate Dressings

Alginate dressings are very conducive to healing, for multiple reasons. Here are just some of the advantages of alginate dressings: 

• Easy to Apply: Calcium alginate dressing sheets are easy to apply, and can contour gently to the wound bed to prevent leakage from occurring.
• Painless Removal: Taking off an alginate dressing is not difficult and shouldn’t usually cause pain or trauma to the wound, since these dressings are often designed not to adhere to wounds with significant exudate.
• Haemostatic Properties: These medical seaweed dressings can be used to stop bleeding and help stabilize blood flow. The calcium ions that are released from the dressing help with coagulation (clotting).
• Can Absorb Large Amounts of Exudate: This is one of the most touted benefits of a calcium alginate bandage. It is designed for use on wounds with moderate or heavy drainage, and, as mentioned earlier, has an absorption capacity that is 20 times its weight.
• Infrequent Changings: Having less changings is more convenient and a sterile calcium alginate wound dressing allows for an optimally quick rate of healing.
• Antimicrobial Protection: Many alginate dressings, such as silver alginate dressings, for instance, contain antimicrobial properties. This is especially effective for infected wounds. Alginate dressings are actually promoted as dressings that help prevent infection bacteria.
• Can Be Used with Other Dressings: Calcium sodium alginate dressings can be used for wound healing in combination with other dressings for the ideal effect. For instance, they can be used together with another absorbent dressing for even more absorption of drainage.

Are you trying to find a very absorbent dressing for a wound that has a lot of drainage? Or perhaps you’re specifically looking for a hydrating dermal wound dressing with alginate? At AvaCare Medical, we have an extensive selection of options from calcium alginate dressing brands including Biatain and Silvercell. Find calcium alginate ropes for packing, as well as bandages, at reasonable prices here!

If you have any questions regarding our selection of calcium alginate wound dressings, or you’d like more information about any other medical or hospital equipment on our site, don’t hesitate to reach out! A care representative will be happy to assist you in finding the right medical supplies for your needs. Call 1.877.813.7799 now!