During wound healing, collagen dressings may encourage the deposition and organization of newly formed collagen fibers and granulation tissue in the wound bed. Collagen dressings also may stimulate new tissue development and wound debridement. Collagen dressings are manufactured in sheets, pads, particles, and gels. Collagen dressings may not be recommended for full thickness burns or black wounds. Top of the page Composites Composite dressings are a combination of two or more physically distinct products manufactured as a single dressing that provides multiple functions.
Composite dressings require a border of intact skin for anchoring the dressing.
These dressings allow wound exudate to pass through to a secondary dressing. Contact layers can protect the wound base from trauma during dressing changes and also can be used to introduce topical medications and wound fillers into the wound. The medication or filler is applied first to the contact layer, then the contact layer is applied to the wound bed. Contact layer dressings require secondary dressings. Contact layers may not be recommended for Stage I pressure ulcers or for wounds that are shallow, dehydrated, covered with eschar, or draining a viscous exudate.