By Nancy Morgan, RN, BSN, MBA, WOC, WCC, DWC, OMS

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Transparent film dressings are thin sheets of transparent polyurethane (polymer) coated with an adhesive. These dressings are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Description

Transparent film dressings provide a moist, healing environment; promote autolytic debridement; protect the wound from mechanical trauma and bacterial invasion; and act as a blister roof or “second skin.” Because they’re flexible, these dressings can conform to wounds located in awkward locations such as the elbow. The transparency makes it easy to visualize the wound bed.

Transparent film dressings are waterproof and impermeable to bacteria and contaminants. Although these dressings can’t absorb fluid, they’re permeable to moisture—allowing one-way passage of carbon dioxide and excess moisture vapor away from the wound.

Indications

Examples of when a transparent film dressing may be beneficial include:

partial-thickness wounds with no or minimal drainage
when protection is needed for intact skin, for example, protection of bony prominences such as elbows and heels from friction
to promote debridement of eschar
to protect and secure I.V. catheters
to secure another dressing.

Precautions and considerations

Consider the following when deciding whether to choose this type of dressing:

A transparent film dressing won’t adhere to a moist surface because its adhesive properties are deactivated by moisture.
Don’t use this dressing in patients who have moderate to heavy exudate, third-
degree burns, suspected or active infection, fungal infection, or active herpetic lesions.
These dressings can cause periwound maceration.
Transparent film dressings aren’t recommended for patients with fragile or thin skin, especially elderly patients, or in patients receiving steroids because removal may cause epidermal stripping or skin tears.

View: Applying a transparent film dressing

How to apply

Follow these steps to apply a transparent film dressing.

1 Wash your hands and put on gloves.
2 Remove the soiled dressing and place it in a trash bag. (Note the date on the bandage before removing it.)
3 Remove your gloves, wash your hands, and put on new gloves.
4 Clean the wound with normal saline solution or prescribed cleanser.
5 Dry the tissue surrounding the wound by patting it with a 4″ × 4″ gauze pad.
6 Remove your gloves, wash your hands, and put on new gloves.
7 Make sure the skin is clean and dry. Some manufacturers recommend defatting the skin with alcohol to increased dressing adhesion. Apply a liquid barrier film or moisture barrier to the periwound area to protect the skin from wound exudate.
8 For deep wounds, apply wound filler or packing material as indicated.
9 Peel the liner from the dressing to expose the adhesive surface.
10 View the wound or site through the film and center the dressing over it. Don’t stretch the dressing during application.
11 Smooth the dressing in place from the center outward.
12 Remember that the dressing should be at least 1″ larger than the wound. Check individual manufacturer recommendations because some dressings require a 2″ border.
13 Dispose of the waste; then remove your gloves and discard them.

How to remove

Follow these steps to remove a transparent film dressing.
1 Lift a corner of the dressing and stretch it horizontally along the skin surface to break the adhesive bond.
2 Continue stretching from the edge of the dressing toward the center.
3 When two sides of the dressing are partially removed, grasp both sides and stretch them horizontally and parallel to the skin until the entire dressing lifts.

Frequency of dressing changes

The average time between transparent film dressings is 3 to 5 days, although the dressing may be left in place up to 7 days. The frequency of change can vary based upon manufacturer recommendations. If the transparent dressing becomes loose, if leakage is present, or new skin irritation or redness is noted, change the dressing and reassess whether continued use is appropriate.

Nancy Morgan, cofounder of the Wound Care Education Institute, combines her expertise as a Certified Wound Care Nurse with an extensive background in wound care education and program development as a nurse entrepreneur.

DISCLAIMER: All clinical recommendations are intended to assist with determining the appropriate wound therapy for the patient. Responsibility for final decisions and actions related to care of specific patients shall remain the obligation of the institution, its staff, and the patients’ attending physicians. Nothing in this information shall be deemed to constitute the providing of medical care or the diagnosis of any medical condition. Individuals should contact their healthcare providers for medical-related information.

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