What is a contact layer wound dressing?
A contact layer is a non-adherent liner, typically quite thin, that is placed on the wound bed to protect against trauma. These contact layers conform to the shape of a wound and are porous to allow exudate to pass through for absorption by an overlying, secondary dressing. These dressings are important because they provide a supportive layer that protects fragile healing tissue, provides pain reduction during dressing changes and prevents newly formed tissue from adhering to the primary or secondary dressing.
When is a contact layer dressing used for wound healing?
Contact layers are designed to be non-adherent and skin-friendly for wound protection, so they are best suited for fragile, delicate skin. These are common applications that clinicians use contact layer dressings for:
- Wound-bed protection
- Skin tears
- Scar management
- Securing secondary dressings and tubes
