Occlusive dressing

Occlusive Dressing

Occlusive Dressing (pronounced: oh-kloo-siv dress-ing) is a type of medical dressing that is air- and water-tight. The term originates from the Latin word "occludere", meaning "to close up".

Definition

An occlusive dressing is a non-breathable, adhesive dressing, which forms a seal over a wound to prevent air and fluid exchange. It is typically used to treat sucking chest wounds or open pneumothorax, where it acts as an artificial pleura to prevent the ingress of air into the pleural cavity.

Types

There are several types of occlusive dressings available, including:

• Vaseline Gauze: This is a type of gauze impregnated with petroleum jelly. It is often used for minor burns and scrapes.

• Plastic Wrap: This is a type of clear plastic sheet that can be cut to size. It is often used for larger wounds.

• Tegaderm: This is a type of transparent film dressing. It is often used for IV sites and central lines.

Application

The application of an occlusive dressing involves cleaning the wound, applying the dressing, and then securing it with tape. It is important to monitor the patient for signs of a tension pneumothorax, as this can be a complication of occlusive dressing use.

Related Terms

• Chest Seal
• Asherman Chest Seal
• Bolin Chest Seal
• Hydrogel Dressing
• Hydrocolloid Dressing

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Occlusive dressing
• Wikipedia's article - Occlusive dressing

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