We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Antimicrobial Dressing?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,423
Share

An antimicrobial dressing is a wound dressing which is designed to inhibit the growth of microbes in and around the wound. Such dressings are utilized in cases where there are concerns about infection and care providers would like to limit opportunities for infectious agents to colonize a wound site as much as possible. Many wound care catalogs stock a variety of antimicrobial dressings for use on various types of wounds and they are also sometimes available through drug stores as well as medical supply stores.

The dressing may have a foam, fabric, film, sponge, or gauze base. It is impregnated with an agent which inhibits microbial growth. When applied to a clean wound, the antimicrobial dressing will prevent microbes from growing on the wound and bandage, keeping the patient more comfortable. The design can also be layered so that the bandage can absorb fluids which seep from the wound and perform other functions such as keeping a wound hydrated.

To use an antimicrobial dressing, the first step involves thoroughly cleaning the wound. This includes removing dead tissue and irrigating the wound to remove any potential infectious agents. After cleaning, a topical solution may be applied if needed, and then followed by the antimicrobial dressing, which can be self adhesive or designed to be taped down with bandage tape.

These types of bandages can be used on burn wounds, deep cuts, surgical sites, and the areas around sites of catheters and other tubes, such as a tube for a colostomy drainage site. It is important that the bandages be changed regularly and the wounds inspected because even an antimicrobial dressing can eventually fail if it is left in place too long and exudate from the wound accumulates. When wounds are inspected, they are also cleaned again so that the fresh bandage is applied to a freshly cleaned wound site and any microbes introduced during the change will be flushed during the cleaning.

The length of time required between bandage changes varies. One thing to be aware of with an antimicrobial dressing or any other dressing is that there is a chance is may adhere to the wound, even when it is designed to limit sticking. Thus, such bandages should be removed carefully, with close attention to discomfort on the part of the patient which might indicate that the bandage is sticking. It is also important that the bandage be kept out of water and other materials which might contaminate the wound.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By browncoat — On Jun 17, 2011

While it's important to keep wounds from developing infections, you are best off finding a natural solution to this problem.

Too often now, bacteria are being exposed to antimicrobial compounds and are becoming immune. This is where superbugs come from. They are pretty scary, as they are difficult to maintain and they are getting stronger.

If you don't urgently need to use an antimicrobial dressing, just allow your skin to heal naturally.

By indigomoth — On Jun 16, 2011

One of the most interesting anti-microbial dressings being used now is one made from manuka honey from New Zealand. One of the students in my class used to be a nurse and she told us about it.

They are relatively expensive at the moment, but they work really well and in a natural way. Honey is almost naturally antimicrobial, which is why it doesn't go off even when you keep it in the cupboard for months. The honey also draws fluid toward the wound, helping it to heal.

Honey has been used for a long time to heal wounds. Manuka honey seems to have all the best qualities of other kinds of honey, plus more.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-antimicrobial-dressing.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.