Iodine Foam Dressing Vertical Wicking, Penetration, Maceration Index, and Conformability

Abstract Body: Infected wounds and wounds at high risk for infection tend to have extremes of moisture levels. Wound treatment must be equipped to handle the bio-burden of infection, but also the physical implications of drainage and exudate. Fluid removal is critical to prevent periwound maceration and to remove inflammatory proteins that keep chronic wounds from healing. This study investigated the physical and material properties of a new iodine foam wound dressing. Previous studies have demonstrated its efficacy as an antimicrobial, but three new material tests highlight its favorable physical properties that combined with its antimicrobial makes the iodine foam dressing a strong product for infected and non-infected wounds.   Two wicking experiments were designed to test vertical wicking abilities and heavy drainage management, and conformability was tested since greater wound contact aids in moisture management. The iodine foam dressing was compared to competitive antimicrobial wicking or transfer dressings designed to handle fluid quickly. In one test, it demonstrated faster wicking of a small volume of fluid in the direction perpendicular to the dressing, mimicking a medium exudating wound. In the second test, it demonstrated penetration by a large volume of fluid 15% faster than the next fastest competitor, mimicking a highly exudating wound. In the cantilever testing, the iodine foam dressing had a greater bend when hanging from a fixed position, signifying it’s superior ability to conform around sharp and shallow curves, keeping the dressing close to the surface of the wound for maximum wicking and antimicrobial performance.  In all testing performed, the iodine foam dressing outperformed the competitive products. This dynamic behavior of fast wicking ability and easy fluid penetration is a beneficial combination that makes the iodine foam dressing a versatile dressing in many types of wounds and in various stages of a wound’s progression.