Primary wound dressings

Because animal wounds are usually extensively damaged and contaminated a primary wound dressing is often not successful. The damaged skin will become necrotic in a few days and stitches are not stable. Furthermore, in distal limbs with lower blood circulation, higher tension at the edges, lower temperatures, and hyperplastic granulation, delayed healing occurs. 

BS EN 13726-1 2002. Test methods for primary wound dressings. Part 1. Aspects of absorbency. 

BS EN 13726-3 2003. Test methods for primary wound dressings. Part 3. Waterproofness. BS EN 13726-4 2003. Test methods for primary wound dressings. Part 4. Conformability. BS EN 13726-5 2003. Test methods for primary wound dressings. Part 5. Bacterial barrier properties. 

Wound dressing specifications are generally registered under European Pharmacopoeia (EA) and British Pharmacopoeia (BP). BS EN 13726 Parts 1—8. (Nonactive medical device) test methods for primary wound dressing. BS EN 13726 has several subsections, as listed below ... 

Primary wound dressings are placed next to the wound surface. They are required to possess the following properties. 

Diagram of molecular structure of cellulose contained in cotton gauze bandages as the primary wound dressing is represented by a modified anhydroglucose unit of cellulose. 

Management of bite wounds consists of aggressive irrigation and topical wound dressing, surgical debridement, and immobilization of the affected area. Primary closure for human bites is not generally recommended. Tetanus toxoid and antitoxin may be indicated. 

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