Covering a wound allows more medication to absorb into the body.
Occlusion is a medical term used for putting a dressing on the skin. When medication is put on the skin and then covered, or occluded, the medication typically absorbs better into the skin. There are variables such as the material used and where the material is placed on the body. Occlusion can be used for two methods: as a means to transport medication into the body, such as a nicotine patch, or as a dressing placed over a skin wound to aide in healing.
Function
Occlusions that are placed on the skin over a substance, such as a medication enhance absorption. When a health-care professional applies medication and then "dresses" the wound, it is to allow the maximum amount of medication to go into the skin. Additional benefits are that it keeps the area hydrated and regulates the temperature of the skin.
Benefits
The amount of absorption through the skin is directly related to how large a surface area the occlusion is applied to and the amount of the substance being applied. When material (the dressing) is applied over a strong substance in a large area, absorption will be much greater.
Considerations
Other factors, such as the thickness of the skin, will also have an impact on absorption rates. For example, the heels have thick skin and therefore wouldn't absorb as efficiently, but the genital area has quick absorption. Another variable is damaged areas on the skin which can increase substance absorption. According to the Children's Environmental Health Project, "Even something as innocuous as the removal of outer layers of skin with cellophane tape can apparently dramatically increase dermal absorption."
Material
Many products can be used to cover the skin to create an occlusion--such as tape, gloves, fabric, dressings and transdermal products (patches). Substances that have oil or fats can have similar effects to promote absorption of applied chemicals.
Caution
Occlusion is valuable to transfer medication directly into the body; however, other substances that are potentially dangerous can also be absorbed easily. According to the Children's Environmental Health Project, "There has been considerable study concerning the exposure in bath, shower and chlorinated pool water to chlorine disinfection by-products." An example where caution should be used is when applying insect repellents. Applying the repellent to uncovered skin or to the outside of clothing is appropriate, however, applying the repellent to the skin and then covering the skin with clothing can create a high absorption rate.
According to Wounds Research, other cautions are that occlusions could inhibit recovery and could increase infection rates due to the increased moisture. However, this is an uncommon occurrence.
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