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Bandages Short Stretch vs Long Stretch

We all are aware that wound healing is more complicated than just wound assessment and treatment. To select the most appropriate bandaging system, one must understand the concepts of extensibility, recoil, and working and resting pressures.

Till date, little research has been done to investigate the best combinations of bandages or different bandage application techniques. We totally rely on clinical experience and tradition.

So, we thought to share some details to help you understand bandaging principles and to effectively treat and heal wounds.

  • Extensibility: is stretchability, the maximum amount a bandage can stretch. So for example, if a 3-meter bandage has 100% extensibility it would stretch up to a maximum length of 6 meters.
  • Recoil: is to regain. Once you stretch a bandage and release the stretch, it should come back to it’s original length. You can tell the quality of the bandage by its recoil, all good quality bandages will go back to its original length.
  • Working pressure: The bandage pressure on the limb when the limb is in an active state; for example standing, walking, etc.
  • Resting pressure: The bandage pressure on the limb when it is in an inactive/ resting state; for example lying down or sitting down.

 Some of the benefits bandages provide:

  • Reduce swelling by applying Intense therapy sessions.
  • Long-term use when certain individuals cannot wear compression garments.
  • Helps to control swelling symptoms in patients with complex medical issues.

The compression bandages are mainly of two distinct types – the long stretch and the short stretch ones.

Long-stretch also known as Elastic bandages
Long stretch bandages contain elastic yarn which allows them to stretch more than 100% of the initial original length. They can be applied smoothly and will conform according to the contour of the body.

Short-stretch also known as Low-elasticity bandages
The short stretch bandages, however, are composed of cotton fibers. These fibers are interwoven so that the original length can be extended by almost 60% at the time of usage. The main advantage of the short stretch bandages is that they provide high working pressure that is necessary for lymphatic drainage as well as venous flow.

Extensibility: Short-stretch vs. Long-stretch bandages

Short stretch bandages are made out of 100% breathable cotton. Because of the way they are woven it causes interlocking of the fibers and results in a higher compression. Thus they are more effective for a higher working pressure. Being reusable and easily washable they end up being quite economical for people suffering from venous edema, lymphedema, post-traumatic swelling, etc. Most commonly short stretch bandages are used for vascular insufficiency, as it acts like a calf muscle to pump blood/ lymph towards the heart.

Long-stretch bandages have fibers which stretch as edema increases. They have high extensibility and recoil. Most commonly long stretch bandages are used to treat sprained areas of the body. They are often used to provide support and relief to tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Depending on the grade of bandage that is used, elastic systems may need to be taken off at night since the pressure that they exert is difficult to tolerate when sleeping.

Consultation with your Doctor
Doctors will help guide you in choosing the most appropriate bandage for your condition and also make sure that the bandaging is done using the correct technique. He/She will also guide you on how to take proper care of your bandages.

Before starting any type of compression therapy, Datt Mediproducts recommends to consult with a doctor or undergo a comprehensive clinical assessment. Compression therapy is contraindicated in individuals with certain diseases and conditions, so it’s best to check that you don’t fall into any of these categories before you start bandaging. To know more about these bandages, visit us @ www.dattmedi.com

Stay Safe! Stay Healthy!

Visit www.dattmedi.com for more infomation.
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Wound Might Need a Doctor’s Attention

Wounds are a common part of life, whether from minor cuts, surgical procedures, or injuries. While most heal on their own with proper care, some wounds can develop complications that require medical attention.

Ignoring early warning signs can lead to infections or even severe health risks. Knowing when to seek medical help can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and speedy recovery.

Here are five key signs that indicate your wound might need professional care:

1. Increased Redness Around the Wound

A slight redness around a wound is normal, especially in the first few days. However, if you notice the redness spreading outward or deepening in color, it could be a sign of infection. This may indicate your immune system is fighting off bacteria, and medical treatment might be necessary.

When to worry: If the redness continues to expand or is accompanied by pain, swelling, or warmth, it’s time to consult a doctor.

2. Swelling or Warmth Around the Wound

Swelling is a natural response to injury; involving increased blood flow, the body’s immune response acting as a buffer to protect the injured area. But swelling should be continually decreasing, excessive swelling or warmth around the wound could mean trouble. These signs often indicate that your body is responding to an infection.

What to look for: If the wound becomes significantly puffy, feels hot to the touch, or the swelling doesn’t subside within a few days, it’s best to seek medical advice.

3. Pus or Unusual Discharge

One of the clearest signs of infection is pus — a thick, yellow, green, or foul-smelling fluid coming from the wound. A properly healing wound should not have significant discharge beyond a small amount of clear fluid.

Act quickly if: You notice pus, a bad odor, or an increase in drainage, as these are strong indicators of bacterial infection requiring immediate attention.

4. Increased Pain or Tenderness

Pain is expected after an injury, but it should gradually decrease over time. If your wound becomes more painful instead of improving, it may indicate an underlying issue like infection or delayed healing.

Red flag: If touching the wound becomes increasingly painful, or if discomfort spreads beyond the injury site, a doctor should assess the situation.

5. Fever or Chills

While mild fever (below 100°F/ 38°C) can be a part of the healing process, high fever or persistent fever may indicate a more serious issue. High grade fever can be the body trying to fight harmful bacteria, viruses or fungi that have invaded the wound. This requires immediate care as it can get worse very easily.

Seek urgent care if: You experience a fever over 100.4°F (38°C) or chills along with any of the other symptoms listed above.

Importance of Clean and Safe Wound Dressings

Using the right wound care products can significantly reduce the risk of infection and promote faster healing. Proper wound dressings help create a protective barrier, control moisture levels, and keep the wound environment clean.

  • Antimicrobial dressings help prevent bacterial growth and maintain a sterile healing environment.
  • Waterproof dressings protect against external contaminants while ensuring proper moisture balance.
  • Gentle adhesive tapes secure dressings in place without causing skin irritation, making them suitable for daily use.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you notice any of the above warning signs, don’t wait. Seeking medical attention early can prevent more serious complications and help ensure a smooth recovery.

Call your doctor if:

  • Your wound isn’t healing or worsens after a few days.
  • You notice spreading redness, pus, increased pain, or fever.
  • You have underlying health conditions (like diabetes) that may slow healing.

Your body is designed to heal, but sometimes wounds need extra care. By paying attention to these warning signs and using the right wound care products, you can prevent infections and support faster healing.

Taking action early can mean the difference between a quick recovery and serious complications. Stay safe, stay informed, and give your wound the care it deserves!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DRESSING

Chronic wounds are wounds that fail to heal within the expected time frame, typically lasting more than four weeks. They can arise due to underlying conditions such as diabetes, prolonged pressure, or venous insufficiency. Common types include diabetic ulcers, bed sores, and venous leg ulcers.

Managing chronic wounds presents significant challenges, including a high risk of infection, slow healing, and patient discomfort. The right dressing plays a crucial role in creating an optimal healing environment, reducing complications, and improving patient outcomes.

Types of Chronic Wounds and Their Dressing Needs

Diabetic Ulcers

  • A Diabetic foot ulcer is a debilitating complication of diabetes mellitus. It refers  to an open sore or wound, commonly developing on the feet of people with diabetes.
  • Require moisture balance, infection control, and non-adhesive properties to protect fragile skin.

Bed Sores

  • Bed sores are ulcers which usually develop gradually on the skin and the tissue underneath. Occurring mostly in bed ridden patients, bed sores arise on the skin covering bony areas of the body such as hips, back, tailbone, etc.
  • Demand dressings that redistribute pressure and effectively manage exudate to prevent further skin breakdown.

Venous Leg Ulcers

  • Venous leg ulcers are chronic wounds affecting mostly older adults. They primarily result from prolonged venous insufficiency, which leads to tissue breakdown in lower extremities.
  • Benefit from a combination of compression therapy and absorbent dressings to address venous insufficiency and excessive fluid.

Infected Chronic Wounds

  • Chronic infected wounds are those wounds that do not even start to heal after 4 to 12 weeks despite treatment. They develop due to poor blood circulation, weak immune system or co-morbid conditions such as diabetes.
  • Require antimicrobial dressings to manage bacterial load and prevent further complications.

Key Dressing Options:

VEL NeXT™

  • Designed specifically for chronic wounds, including diabetic ulcers, burns, necrotizing fasciitis, and venous ulcers.
  • Promotes faster wound healing while maintaining an optimal moisture balance.

Velvert®

  • A secure antimicrobial dressing with excellent moisture management.
  • Ideal for wounds at high risk of infection, including diabetic ulcers and chronic wounds.

Silvel™

  • Features nano-crystalline silver for strong antimicrobial action.
  • Features silver for strong antimicrobial action.
  • Suitable for infected or high-risk wounds, particularly bed sores.

Velsap™

  • Designed for moderate to heavily exuding wounds.
  • Provides effective fluid management, reducing the need for frequent dressing changes.

How to Choose the Right Dressing?

Selecting the right dressing requires a comprehensive assessment of several factors:

  • Wound Type: Identify whether the wound is a diabetic ulcer, pressure sore, or venous ulcer.
  • Exudate Levels: Choose absorbent dressings for heavily exuding wounds and moisture-retaining options for dry wounds.
  • Infection Status: Use antimicrobial dressings for infected or high-risk wounds.
  • Patient-Specific Considerations: Factors such as mobility, skin sensitivity, and underlying health conditions must be considered.
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in guiding dressing selection based on individual wound characteristics and patient needs.

Additional Tips for Chronic Wound Care Management

  • Proper Cleaning & Debridement: Keeping the wound clean and removing dead tissue enhances healing.
  • Regular Monitoring & Dressing Changes: Assessing the wound regularly and changing dressings at the right intervals prevent complications and ensure steady healing.

Chronic wounds require tailored solutions to support healing and prevent complications. Choosing the right dressing—ensures optimal wound care and faster recovery.

Explore our advanced dressing solutions today and find the best option for your wound care needs!

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