Types of textile used in wound healing

In general, textiles used in wound-dressing products include fibres, nanofibres, filaments, yarns, and woven/knitted/non-woven and composite materials. 

When a water-insoluble calcium alginate fibre is in contact with wound exudates, the calcium ions exchange with sodium ions in the body fluid and calcium ions release. Calcium ions can act as a haemostatic agent. When in contact with the wound, calcium alginate fibre slowly turns into a sodium alginate fibre it absorbs a large quantity of exudates and turns itself into a gel, which helps keep a moist interface on the wound surface. 

Some commercial alginate-based dressings are listed below (Knill et al., 2004 Kennedy et al., 2001). 

Kaltocarb (calcium alginate fibre bonded to a layer of activated charcoal cloth with an outer layer composed of spun bonded viscose, ConvaTec) is indicated for use as a primary dressing in the management of malodorous wounds including fungating carcinomas, leg ulcers, and pressure sores. 

Kaltostat (calcium/sodium alginate fibres in non-woven pads, ConvaTec) is used for moderafely to highly exuding chronic and acute wounds and for wounds with minor bleeding. 

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