Evaluation of an alginate dressing for pressure ulcers.

Pressure ulcers that secrete moderate to large amounts of fluid often cause leakage from under dressings, odor, staining of clothing, denuding of the skin, and pain. Two highly absorbent dressings derived from seaweed have been introduced into the U.S. market for use in the management of exuding wounds. Severely debilitated patients with full-thickness pressure ulcers were treated for one week to three months with one of these alginate dressings (Kaltostat). The handling and performance characteristics of the dressing are discussed.