New studies from Brazil have shown that tilapia skin is a beneficial wound dressing, providing Type 1 collagen, moisture and some resistance to bacteria. Tilapia are plentiful in Brazil, but until recently, the fish skin has been discarded during harvesting. Sterilizing the skin and irradiating it removes the fish small and allows the skin to be used for up to two years once it’s packaged and refrigerated.
Previously used in human medicine, patients that have used tilapia-skin occlusive dressings note that they need less pain medication that those treated with other wound coverings—in some case they need no pain medication at all. An occlusive dressing is one that is air- and water-tight, providing a total seal. These dressings are not absorbent like gauze pads are. Once the tilapia dressing is applied, it can be left in place for up to 10 days under a bandage, reducing the need for painful bandage changes every 24 to 48 hours.
Tilapia dressings are helpful in wound healing as they:
- Adhere to the wound
- Provide a barrier to bacteria
- Avoid loss of fluid and exudate retention
- Offer pain relief
- Peel away easily for bandage changes
Read more at EquiManagement.
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