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Contraindications for the Use of DuoDERM Products

ConvaTec Incorporated produces a range of wound dressing products listed under DuoDerm. DuoDerm products are categorized under moist-environment wound care or a hydrocolloid. Kate King and Julie Evans define a hydrocolloid as an adhesive, flexible, absorbent and waterproof dressing in "Adult Burns Dressings Guidelines." According to ConvaTec, some advantages of DuoDerm products include a faster healing rate, reduced infection, greater collagen synthesis and greater epithelialization.

  1. Features

    • According to ConvaTec Incorporated, DuoDerm offers four products, including a hydroactive sterile gel, the Signal dressing, the CGF dressing and an extra thin dressing. The hydroactive gel moisturizes wounds. The Signal dressing protects low-to-moderately exuding wounds, according to ConvaTec Incorporated. The dressing contains a color indicator to warn when a dressing change is required. The GCF dressing contains a controlled gel formulation used to enhance granulation and increase autolytic debridement. The extra thin dressing provides healing while preventing any extra friction in the area of the wound.

    Contraindictions

    • Kate King and Julie Evans, authors of the "Adult Burns Dressings Guidelines," highlight seven DuoDerm contraindications. If the wound has the likelihood of obtaining dead tissue, treatment is not recommended. Wounds with infection or inflamed blood vessels are contradictory. DuoDerm is not recommended to treat deep and severe burns. It should not be used on ulcers resulting from tuberculosis, syphilis, diabetes or fungal infection or on wounds with deep and narrow sinuses. DuoDerm can not treat wounds that contain exposed bone or severe deep injury associated with open bone injury.

    Approved Uses

    • DuoDerm treats a number of wound care needs, according to Kate King and Julie Evans, authors of the "Adult Burns Dressings Guidelines," ConvaTec and the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Wounds that demonstrate clean, close-to-the-surface concern, minimal drainage or minor sloughing are treatable with DuoDerm. DuoDerm treats partial thickness burns, wounds after surgery or minor abrasions. Common pressure sores or venous ulcers benefit from hydrocolloid therapy.

    Warnings

    • Physicians must decide whether DuoDerm is the appropriate option for the wound care. The Signal dressing offers a color indicator for dressing change needs. Patients do not change dressings for showering unless the color indicator demonstrates a need. DuoDerm dressings continue to treat wounds up to seven days in some instances, according to ConvaTec. Physicians should warn patients of visible signs of DuoDerm, such as yellow fluids that the dressings emit during treatment, to avoid patient worry.

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