DuoDerm is a brand name for a form of dressing called a hydrocolloid dressing. Used on a variety of wounds and skin conditions, it contains a gel-forming agent in an adhesive compound combined with a flexible, water-resistant outer layer. The result is a bandage that allows wounds to heal in a moist environment that is sealed to prevent bacteria and other infecting agents to get in.
This comprehensive dressing helps to maximize healing and is particularly effective when used on oozing wounds. It can be used for the treatment of pressure ulcers, leg ulcers, diabetic ulcers, traumatic wounds (including superficial wounds, minor abrasions and lacerations), surgical wounds and dermatological excisions. These dressings come in specific shapes for various parts of the body, such as the elbows and heels, and are designed to be removed easily, without causing any further trauma to the affected area.
How are these bandages used?
You’ll want to cleanse the ulcer or wound site with hydrogen peroxide 3% or an antibacterial soap, such as Lever 2000. Dry the area completely. Apply Polysporin only to the wound site, being careful not to get the greasy ointment where the adhesive of the DuoDERM is to be placed.
Cut the DuoDERM approximately 1/2 to 1 inch beyond the wound’s margin. After peeling off the adhesive backing, apply the sticky side of the dressing to the wound. Tape may be used around the edges of the dressing to aid in keeping the it in place.
The dressing should be changed and cleaned according to the above instructions about every third day, or sooner if the dressing is oozing a lot of fluid. With daily use , wounds should begin to heal at a faster rate.
Because DuoDerm is designed to be used on severe skin traumas, it is made to be easily removable. To remove a dressing, simply press down on the skin and carefully lift one edge of the dressing. Keep lifting gently until all the adhesive is free, then gently peel way going in the direction of the hair to minimize pain.
Are there any disadvantages to DuoDerm?
As with any form of medical treatment, DuoDerm is not without its potential drawbacks. Even though these dressings are designed to remove easily, there can sometimes be problems with trauma to fragile skin.
The dressing should not be used on excessively oozing wounds or where infection is present and it should be used with extreme caution for treating diabetic ulcers on the feet, as numbness that can occur as a side effect of diabetes can lead to extensive skin trauma when removing a bandage.
In some cases, dressing residue may cling to the wound bed after removal and there may be an unpleasant odor after the dressing is removed. The dressing can sometimes curl around the edges, which can lead to a danger of it sticking to clothing or pulling off prematurely.
Can I purchase DuoDerm bandages online?
Yes, you certainly can and you can save a lot of money by doing so. For a wide selection of DuoDERM products, we recommend Amazon, as they carry the full lineup including all of the different sizes and very competitive prices, as they do on many skin health products.
You can also read all of the reviews to see what other people have said about the products.