Topic Two: Introduction to Antimicrobial Dressings

Antimicrobial dressings have antimicrobial agents added to wound dressings to prevent wound contamination and normally act as a barrier, either to prevent microbes from gaining access to the wound or to prevent them from escaping from the wound and contributing to cross-infection. In some dressings, the active antibacterial component migrates into the wound bed, whereas in others, it is confined within the dressing. (For further reference please refer to module 4 section 4 Infection)