The "official" word on Tegaderm and Road Rash

[tdellaringa]

Ok, folks - I headed over to the treatment center today to have my road rashes looked at. I had some slight concern about my forearm gash, and I couldn't remember the last time I had a Tetanus shot so I went in. (Turns out I'm healing fine, no infections, and I got my Tetanus shot).

So, while I'm there I have a nice conversation with the nurse practitioner about Tegaderm while showing her my shoulder dressing. Her first question was "Where'd you get the Tegaderm?" She wasn't aware you could get it off the shelf.

She said the dressing looked great. I asked the specific question - is this a proper and good way to use Tegaderm? Answer: absolutely, she said. The fluids that build up under the dressing allow cells to rebuild properly. She said the golden fluids that build up is the liquid part of your blood.

Then we talked about wound dressing in particular - specifically abrasions. I knew some of this because I recently had a small mole removed off my face, but the "old" way of treating wounds is to allow them to dry. This, as many of you have experienced, is a painful way to heal a wound and the wound does not heal as well.

The modern thinking is to keep the would moist, both with the body's own fluids and triple antibiotic ointment. This allows the wound to heal quicker and better with much less pain.

As for using ointment with Tegaderm - you shouldn't. The petroleum in it could break down the dressing, but your own body will provide the fluids. At some point it will be healed enough to move from Tegaderm to ointment and a standard dressing, and then you'll be fully healed!

So there you have it. She was impressed we skaters used the stuff and said it was a good idea to have it around. I also talked to the nurse about washing out fresh wounds in the field, and she said saline was the way to go.

[ncspeed]

I always keep at least 2 or three tega derms in my bag never know when u will have a nasty fall indoors and that floor takes your skin for u

[Drella]

Well,, I guess it's official then.

So now let's see how Panch0 healing up...

[Jon B.]

JB

[skaterdog]

Interesting.

I think I have been using Tegaderm the right way but the liquid mess caused leaking and didn't seem to be doing the job.

I guess that's what it's supposed to do.

[CKmost]

The modern thinking is to keep the would moist, both with the body's own fluids and triple antibiotic ointment. This allows the wound to heal quicker and better with much less pain.

Thats what a Hydrocolloid dressing does, but hopefully with less mess. I got an idea, rip out that stuff from a diaper and stuff in under the tegaderm

[Jon B.]

Originally Posted by CKmost

Thats what a Hydrocolloid dressing does, but hopefully with less mess. I got an idea, rip out that stuff from a diaper and stuff in under the tegaderm

They make Tegaderm with non-stick gauze in the center for that purpose. JB

[Kennedy]

I have been using that stuff for years. I have a family member in the medical field. I was getting this stuff in the late 80's, compliments of the burn unit.

What I have found for best results:
*Clean the wound like you normally would. Get all the nasty stuff out. Sometimes I go to the extent of removing skin that would normally flake off and trim up areas of ragged sking. After washing the wound and the area around it dry out as good as possible. If the wound is seeping, use your judgment. Make sure the are of skin where the tag is going to attach is dry.

*Shave the area where the tag is going to be placed. Even if the hairs are small, or there are only a few hairs, get them off. This helps with the seal and removal.

*Gooy yellow or white under the tag is good. It looks nasty, but your body is doing its thing. If the pain increases and / or redness starts creeping out from the wound, something isn't right. Seek qualified medical attention.

*In general, keep the tag on as long as possible. Let it fall off on its own. If the wound is healing quickly you might be able to take the tag off, but remember, the adhesives still may be very active and remove what tissue has rebuilt. Been there done that, many times.

[tdellaringa]

I concur on the shaving, that helped my shoulder a lot. I definitely removed my dressings more often than I probably should have, but on the other hand, they were leaking pretty good. At one point I was able to leave it on for a couple of days which really helped.

[Tremor]

Tegaderm™
Know a healthcare practioner who reminds you of these TegadermTM brand qualities? Tell us your story for a chance to win! Share your story. ...

[tdellaringa]

Link? And Tremor, I gotta say I'm get a little concerned each time I look at your avatar and see you pointing at me with that latex-gloved hand...

[Tremor]

It's the light in my office it's directly over me, it's just my hand.
You also can't see that my hair is skunk striped, as in Pepe La Pue. hehe
Some how somebody figured it out as in the 'who's a cartoon' thread.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...ands/tegaderm/

[tdellaringa]

And you're wearing latex gloves in your office because....? Not that there's anything wrong with that!

[Tremor]

'Til Dr. Tremor throws another glove over the other shoulder.

[Jon B.]

With much trepidation I approach here.................just before you make your final decision on palm sliders, talk to Jessica. JB

[sk8scott]

Originally Posted by Jon B.

With much trepidation I approach here.................just before you make your final decision on palm sliders, talk to Jessica. JB

Dude, wrong thread!!!

----Scott

[Tremor]

Originally Posted by sk8scott

Dude, wrong thread!!!

----Scott

[Jon B.]

Originally Posted by sk8scott

Dude, wrong thread!!!

----Scott

Originally Posted by Tremor

Oh Crap! Am I lost again?! I hate alzheimers. What was I saying? JB

[Art G]

I've been using tegaderm to dress road rash injuries for years.
When I was racing road bikes, I discovered that crashing hard comes with the sport.
A guy I used to train with is a med/pharm sales rep.
He introduced me to Tegaderm back around 2001.
I was totally blown away!
Great stuff.
Just make certain you're clean first.

[Bill in Houston]

Tonight I got my first road rash in my current chapter of skating. It's nasty. I scrubbed it out well and applied the nexcare transparent waterproof abrasion cover (or whatever they retail tegaderm as at walmart and cvs). We'll see how it goes. Some of it is awfully deep.