Collagen is essential for skin cell regeneration and thus, wound healing. The most crucial role of collagen, which is providing relief to any kind of wounds, is required by various kinds of wounds in any stage. This is one of many reasons why collagen wound dressing is widely used and admired, although it costs much higher than any other kinds of wound dressings.

What is collagen wound dressing?

Collagen dressings are the type of protein-based dressing, which is derived from animal sources. These include the bovine (cattle), horse, and porcine sources. The collagen, which is protein substances extracted from these sources are infused to the dressing, which are going to be used for healing variety of wounds. Collage dressings come as gels, pastes, powders, or freeze-dried sheets that can be placed over the wound site. Commonly, collagen dressings that are placed over the wound site do not need to be replaced within several days.

There are some benefits of using collagen wound dressings over certain kinds of wounds, which include:

• The dressings are derived from protein, which is essential for the entire healing of many kinds of wounds. Therefore, this kind of dressing can help boost the production of human collagen on the wound site, which is essential for faster wound healing.
• Collagen dressings decrease the risk of the infection of the wound site, in that it has the ability of controlling accumulated bacteria around the wound site.
• Collagen dressings are commonly non-adherent, so that it will not stick into and dry out the wound site. This characteristic will help collagen dressing prevent irritation of the wound region. Irritation is also minimal with collagen dressings, as they do not usually require frequent replacement.
• Collagen dressings are really popular and thus, can be found in vast variety of sizes and shapes. In addition, they also come in various forms, such as gels, pastes, powders, and sheets, which can accommodate vast variations of wound sites.

When to use collagen wound dressings?

Related to those characteristics and provided benefits, collagen-infused wound dressings are suitable for some wound types, such as:

• Bed sores.
• Minor burns.
• Foot ulcers.
• Chronic wounds.
• Large open cuts.

These wounds can be improved by collagen wound dressing application, since the dressings boost tissue growth on the wound site, which helps infected tissues debridement to encourage natural growth. Collagen dressings are also flexible and thus, will not limit any movements during the wound healing. On the other hands, specific types of wounds, such as the third-degree burns may not be able to improve with the application of collagen wound dressings, as it may develop into necrotic wound with delayed healing.

How to use collagen dressings?

• Do not use collagen dressing on people who are sensitive to bovine, porcine, or avian, as it may trigger allergic reactions.
• Clean the wounded area with saline solution and pat it dry gently.
• Prepare collagen dressings in formulation, size, and shape according to your preferences or your wound requirement.
• Place the dressing onto the wound site, making sure it covers all the wound region and lining.
• Place secondary gauze to provide proper enclosure, as collagen dressings are commonly porous and may invite bacteria and dirt to infest.
• You can tighten the edges with adhesive tapes to secure it in place.
• Change the dressing once it is fully saturated with fluid discharge. The frequency varies depending on your wound severity, but it commonly ranges from daily to every one week.