Telfa dressing is an absorbent dressing used in medical facilities and at home for first-aid and/or medical procedures. It is available without a prescription and manufactured by various companies.
Components
Telfa dressing is made of cotton fabric with a perforated seal of polyethylene terephthalate (polyester resin). This perforated seal acts as a non-adherent, preventing the dressing from sticking to the wound and/or acting as a barrier between the wound and excretions.
Options
Telfa dressing is available with adhesive and non-adhesive borders. Adhesive borders are available in a 3-by-4-inch size, while non-adhesive is available in both 2-by-3 and 3-by-4-inch sizes.
Uses
Telfa dressing can be used at a hospital, doctor’s office and even at home to cover up cuts and abrasions. It is also used to prevent infection to sutured wounds and as an absorbent dressing for wound secretions.
Benefits
Telfa dressings are easy to use and can be cut to fit the size of the area needing protection. The advantage when cutting the dressing is that the non-adherent material will stay intact and not separate.
Precautions
When Telfa is used on severe injuries, such as ulcers, wound excretions may potentially become trapped between the wound and dressing. This excretion increases the potential for inflammation and infection in the area surrounding the wound.