Wound contact layers
Wound contact layers are designed to protect the wound bed while creating an optimal environment for healing. Placed directly over the wound, they help minimise trauma during dressing changes, support the transfer of exudate to a secondary dressing and protect newly formed tissue. Suitable for a wide range of acute and chronic wounds, wound contact layers can improve patient comfort while supporting effective wound management and reducing disruption to the healing process.
SilTact
Soft Silicone Wound Contact Layer
Common Challenges and Treatment Considerations for Wound Contact Layers
Common Challenges
- Preventing trauma and pain during dressing removal.
- Protecting fragile granulation tissue and newly formed epithelium.
- Managing wounds with varying levels of exudate while maintaining an optimal healing environment.
- Reducing the risk of dressings adhering to the wound bed.
- Selecting an appropriate secondary dressing to work in combination with the contact layer.
- Maintaining dressing integrity over irregular wound shapes or difficult anatomical locations.
- Supporting patient comfort while minimising the frequency of dressing changes where clinically appropriate.
Treatment Considerations
- Select a wound contact layer that minimises adherence to the wound bed and supports atraumatic dressing changes.
- Consider the wound type, size, location and level of exudate when selecting an appropriate dressing combination.
- Ensure the contact layer allows effective transfer of exudate to a suitable secondary absorbent dressing.
- Assess the need for flexibility and conformability, particularly for wounds over joints or uneven anatomical areas.
- Review dressing performance regularly and adjust the treatment plan as the wound progresses through the healing process.
- Follow local clinical guidelines and best practice recommendations when selecting wound management products.
- Consider patient comfort, wear time and ease of application and removal to support adherence to the treatment plan.
