sided Super Absorbent Dressing versus Alginates and Foams in Compression Therapy for Enhanced Wound Healing

Introduction: An 85-year-old male patient with a past medical history of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), hyperlipidemia, GERD, hyperten- sion, and former tobacco use presented with a non-healing left lower extremity wound. The patient had been self-treating with Neosporin with a non-sterile dressing when he initially presented for treatment. Methods: Initially, the patient was treated with an antimicrobial alginate dressing, bordered foam, and a compression sleeve. Layered compression and strict elevation were added at the next visit due to skin irritation from the patient’s CVI. The patient was re-evaluated 10 days later, at which time the alginate and foam dressing was discontinued due to the patient’s foam sensitivity, a known symptom present in patients with chronic wounds. A novel silicone-based super absorbent dressing was trialed along with continued layered compression. Results: The patient was reassessed five days later, and the peri-wound maceration had resolved, skin fragility had improved, and the wound had significantly improved. At the second follow-up visit one week later, there was complete resolution of the wound. Discussion: The introduction of the skin-friendly, silicone-based super ab- sorbent resulted in complete wound healing within two weeks of implemen- tation on the patient’s wound. Further evaluation of the product is underway.