Jwc ewma final indd

J O U R N A L  O F WO U N D  C A R E   Vo l   2 2 .  N o   1 .  E W M A   D o c u M E N t   2 0 1 3

protection.

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 These dressings are designed to 

be used in highly exudative wounds and thus 

support the exudate management. 

Polymeric membrane dressings are claimed to soften 

tissue and absorb exudate, with the objective to 

promote healing by combining glycerin and starch.

45,46

e

 By generating reactive oxygen species, the 

oxidase/peroxidase enzymatic complex included 

in multi-component products should be effective 

as an antimicrobial agent. Some multi-component 

dressings include alginate polymers with a strong 

absorption capacity and polyethylene glycol/

water. These multi-component dressings are 

claimed to absorb microorganisms into the gel, 

leading to an oxidative antimicrobial effect.

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Contraindications

General contraindications are known contact 

sensitisation to ingredients of the dressings. For 

example, propylene glycol is used as a preserving 

agent in many autolytic dressings and it is well 

known that contact sensitisation to propylene 

glycol exists in up to 14% of patients with chronic 

venous leg ulcers.

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Other product-group specific contraindications are:

a

  Hydrogels and hydrogel dressings should not 

be used in bleeding wounds, fistulae or body 

cavities. Moreover, they should not be used 

when wounds are highly exudative. In addition, 

these products are contraindicated in infected 

wounds (this may vary between countries in 

Europe, depending on the available products) 

and in those with a high potential for anaerobic 

infections. It should also not be used in patients 

with necrotic or ischaemic feet.

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