Shopping around for applicators or dressings? Come across the term “Calcium Alginate” and have no idea what it means? No worries, you are not the only one. Many of our customers have asked us this exact question.

Alginate is green-based and, if you look closely, you can see that one of its roots is “algae”. That’s because it’s made from seaweed, more specifically, brown seaweed. Upon extraction, alginates are processed into biodegradable fibers. Once bonded with sodium, a soluble gel is formed. Depending on the type of seaweed used, the gel can either swell or dissolve in the wound bed, making it an incredibly versatile product.

Like most algae, Calcium Alginate has some remarkable properties. It can absorb 20x its own weight, which helps contain bleeding. Upon contact with a wound, a strong hydrophilic gel develops which protects the wound from all sorts of bacterial infections – in part because the hydrophilic gel lacks the fatty acids on which bacteria thrive upon.

Once the bleeding halts, the gel maintains a physiologically moist environment that promotes healing through the formation of granulation tissue. The substance is biodegradable and easily disappears after completing its purpose.

Calcium alginate can be applied to Lacerations, Abrasions, Skin Tears, and Minor Burns. It can also assist in heavy duty cases, such as Leg Ulcers, Pressure Ulcers, Diabetic Foot Ulcers, and Surgical Wounds.

Shop TigerMedical for a full line of Calcium Alginate products and an array of other medical goodies.