This episode critically examines the use of foam, combine, crepe and skin closure strips in wound management, addressing their potential misapplications and the resultant complications that may arise from such practices. Our discussion encompasses the phenomenon of “foam fights” among clinicians, reflecting the confusion stemming from the myriad of products available, which often appear deceptively similar yet serve varying purposes.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:51 WTFoam and the C word
01:47 Foam fights and confusion
04:24 Financial and clinical governance confusion
06:59 Are foams a panacea?
11:36 Foam fantasy
12:05 C words
15:34 Crepe alternatives
16:38 Combine maybe but then there’s that green dressing?
18:40 What ifs, clinical governance and risk reporting.
22:24 Enter and exit stage left – skin closure strips
25:35 Challenges and enablers of reporting harm
28:57 Summary Don’ts and Dos
Resources mentioned:
- Edwards–Jones V, Idensohn T, Westgate S et al (2025) Dialkylcarbamoyl Chloridecoated wound dressings: An evidence review and position document. Wounds International. https://woundsinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ESS25_PD_DACC_WINT-web-v2.pdf
- Nokaneng E et al. Best practice recommendations for the prevention and management of skin tears in aged skin. Wounds International 2025. (p26). Available to download from www. woundsinternational.com https://woundsinternational.com/consensus-documents/best-practice-recommendations-for-the-prevention-and-management-of-skin-tears-in-aged-skin-2nd-edition/
Endnotes
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The Two Echidnae Podcast is part of Advancing Wound Care, our online education platform for clinicians. Reach out to us on our other Advancing Wound Care Socials, where you’ll also find hints, tips and resources.
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The views expressed in this podcast are our own and is intended specifically for healthcare professionals. Always follow your organisation's policies and procedures or refer to your healthcare provider for individual wound advice.