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Alginate dressing contain alginate fibers derived from brown seaweed and ideal for heavily exudating wound management. It is absorptive in nature and hence can pick up exudates seeping from the wound, this is done by exchanging calcium ions on the dressing with sodium ions in exudates and as a result the alginate fibers swell and form a gel-like. This dressing is designed to be used on the entire wound and has moisture-retentive properties as the dry wound can cause discomfort to the patient. In addition to absorption of seeping fluid, alginate dressing creates a barrier over the wound to prevent the growth of bacteria and other such microorganisms, so possibilities of infections are reduced. As this dressing is intended for use with wet wound an addition dressing is needed to cover it, and this second dressing should also be given due attention, otherwise it may let the former stick to the wound. Unlike other wound dressings, it requires minimal care and is occlusive and can conform well to the wound’s shape. It is available in non-woven sheet as well as coil type and is wise to switch to other dressing type when the wound starts drying off.

Read this piece on 3m tegaderm transparent dressing.