The goal of wound care is to promote wound healing. Following an injury or surgery, healing is the top priority. A different approach to sterile wound care products may be necessary for more advanced wound care. In some situations, applying a Band-Aid to a wound or surgical incision isn't the best way to help it heal. A sterile abdominal pad is sometimes needed to control wound exudate during recovery. Let's explore ABD pads as a wound dressing at home!
What are Abdominal Pads?
Abdominal pads (also called ABD pads) are non-woven thick absorbent dressings for treating abdominal and other wounds with serious drainage problems. ABD wound sauces contain a thick layer of cellulose that absorbs and disperses fluids by sealing off the affected area. The back of the ABD gauze pads has a hydrophobic surface and sealed edges to prevent bleeding.
The military initially developed it to treat battle wounds. Many of the existing abdominal wound dressings were designed for battlefield use. ABD is an acronym for "Army Battle Dressing."
Most people, including doctors and caregivers, consider this an abdominal wound dressing. However, ABD dressings are intended to manage heavy draining wounds or large wounds. Wound dressings at home are done with an absorbent layer that disperses fluids so they do not pool at the wound site. It is sealed at the edges, and the dressing back prevents strike-through.
Best Abdominal Wound Dressing at home Features
- The contact layer is non-woven and soft
- From light to heavy, exudate levels are available.
- Material with high absorbency to absorb excess fluid
- A sealed edge prevents linting and leakage
- For extensive surgical procedures and trauma sites
- Ideal for wounds with heavy exudate
- No need to change dressings frequently
- Skin is protected from maceration
- Cushioning and pressure-point padding
Types of Abdominal Pads For Wounds:
Several ABD pads applications remove excretions and promote wound healing. As part of the healing and prevention process, antibiotic ointments can be applied along with these pads.
- Sterile ABD dressing
- Non-sterile Super absorbency ABD pads
How does ABD Pad Dressing work?
It helps keep wounds dry by absorbing the discharge into an inner core. Abdominal dressings protect wounds against infections and oozing by securing the wound area.
What sizes do abdominal gauze pads come in?
Gauze pads for abdominal surgery are available in various sizes, and the one to choose covers the wound area without leaving much room around it. The bordering adhesive shouldn't contact the wound to prevent further skin damage. Typical sizes are 5 X 9 Inch, 7-1/2 X 8 Inches, and 8 X 10 Inch.
ABD wound pads are designed to be used in the following ways:
For typical exudate: dressing is applied to the primary wound contact layer
For heavy exudate: add a secondary sauce to the primary one
ABD pads can be used with either a transparent sauce or an alginate dressing as the primary dressing. The abdominal dressing can be applied with medical tape to keep it in place.
A moist wound bed will heal more quickly for large wounds and scrapes. These abdominal pads can improve the healing environment by sealing out contaminants and absorbing fluid, which allows the healing process to proceed unhindered. Extensive wounds and scrapes will heal faster with a moist wound bed. With these abdominal pads, the best possible environment for recovery can be created, which helps seal out contaminants and absorb fluid, helping to permit the healing process to continue unchecked.
How to choose the right Abdominal Gauze Pad?
Based on the following factors, you can determine which ABD pad is most appropriate for you:
- Exudate vs. Transudate
Fluid-oozing or fluid-ejecting wounds may seem the same, but there is a subtle distinction. Fluids that contain cells, cell debris, and proteins are called exudates, and clear liquids, without enclosures or proteins, are called transudates. It describes this discharge rather than the illness or injury that causes it, but they are frequently associated with pleural effusions. The excess fluid on the wound bed should be sterile and removed safely from the wound bed. Exudates from a wound or incision should be removed with maximum absorbency. Choose an abdominal pad with four sealed edges to prevent lint residue and leakage.
Keeping foreign material away from the wound bed is critical to minimize infection risk. Infection occurs most often when bacteria or other germs enter a wound. On the other hand, transudate fluid is produced due to a change in something like hydrostatic pressure that causes inflammation. Exudate fluid is generally caused by inflammation, while transudate fluid changes the water pressure. Removing this discharge and keeping the wound bed free of bacteria is imperative to expedite healing.
- Level of Exudate
The general perception is that any sterile pad will do the job, but that is inaccurate. You might require a more absorbent, larger dressing, depending on the type of wound you have. A moisture barrier is likely necessary for those suffering from heavy exudates to prevent leakage. For example, Sky Medical Supplies provides Absorbent Abdominal Pads with a hydrophobic backing that prevents fluids from leaking through. You're able to avoid embarrassing or dangerous situations! You're able to control both infections and anxiety! The cellulose center of these abhorrent pads is surrounded by non-woven exteriors that wick away fluids from healing wounds. Due to the cellulose fibers, the exudate and transudate fluid can quickly diffuse throughout the residence. Find the size that suits you and wrap it around. Places are ideal for wounds around abdominal areas, incisions, or large trauma sites and for secondary dressings over wounds that discharge fluid.
Pros
- It absorbs fluid from wounds
- Prevents external injuries to the wound
- Lint-free contact layer
- Reduces the risk of skin maceration
Cons:
- A moist healing environment is preferred for some wounds with too much absorbency.
- Their large sizes make them unsuitable for minor wounds
- This is for damages that are draining, not those that are already scabbed and healing.
Where to buy Abdominal Pads Online?
Sky Medical Supplies offers a wide selection of abdominal pads for wound management from moderate to heavy exudate levels. Before applying a sterile abdominal gauze pad or any other form of wound care, please consult your physician or wound care professional to determine whether it is the right choice.