Importance

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Abstract

A solid elastic and pliable self-supporting wound dressing is formed by mixing dry hydrocolloid polymer powder with water. Preferably the dry polymer powder and water are contained in a sealed package having a temporary or manually-removable barrier so that the dry polymer and waster can be stored separately from each other while in the package. The wound dressing may be prepared by breaking or removing the barrier to allow intermixing of the polymer and water within the package so that a fluid, pourable and spreadable aqueous colloidal dispersion is initially formed within the package and which can be removed from the package and easily poured or spread onto the wound. The initially-formed dispersion then solidifies to form a solid or semi-solid elastic, pliable wound dressing containing water and hydrocolloid. The presence of water in the wound dressing provides desirable moisture during the healing process. Preferably the package is made from flexible plastic with a temporary heat-seal barrier between the dry polymer and water. A gelling or crosslinking agent may be also be used to improve the characteristics of some hydrocolloids.

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First Claim