Using the right type of dressing for a wound is important for preventing infection and can also improve the healing process.
Whether you are treating your own wounds, providing first aid to someone else, or you are just keen to learn more about medical practices and wound care, this guide will help you.
1. Transparent Film
Transparent film wound dressings are quite basic but very effective. The polymer membrane is totally transparent and is adhesive on one side.
The adhesive side is applied to the wound and surrounding area, sticking to the skin to keep the wound dressing in place.
The transparent film dressing protects the wound from bacteria which helps to prevent infection. It also stops liquid from entering the wound, and will stop the patient’s clothes from sticking to the wound and leaving fibers behind.
The main purpose of transparent film dressing is to allow the doctor or medical professional to monitor the progress of the wound without disturbing it. There is no need to remove the dressing to check underneath, as the dressing itself is see-through.
When Should You Use A Transparent Film Dressing?
Transparent film dressings tend to be used for minor wounds, surface wounds, lacerations and abrasions. They can also be used on the sites of surgical incisions and IVs as well as on second-degree burns.
2. Gauze
Gauze is a type of material that is used to dress wounds. The gauze cloth is made up of interwoven fabric fibers which are slightly stretchy.
Gauze dressings come in different shapes and sizes which makes them very versatile. They are one of the cheapest, most commonly used and readily available wound dressings, especially in the roll form which is a regular feature of first aid kits.
Gauze dressings are breathable and absorbing. They soak up any liquid that comes from the wound – such as blood, plasma or discharge – whilst allowing air to reach the skin.
You can easily cut gauze down to shape, you can wrap it around a wound, you can pin it with a safety pin, or you can place it underneath a bandage.
When Should You Use Gauze Dressing?
Gauze dressings can be used in lots of different scenarios, especially if the wound is still bleeding and is not suitable to be wrapped in a bandage.
It is often used on wounds that require wrapping or packing, wounds that need draining, or wounds that give off frequent discharge.
Gauze is inexpensive so you can use it on wounds that require frequent dressing changes. It is also commonly used on infected wounds.
3. Foam
Foam dressings are made out of soft polyurethane and have a bouncy, spongy consistency. They can be adhesive or non-adhesive, and come in lots of different shapes and sizes. Foam dressings will not apply pressure to the wound, and are great for offering some protection to the vulnerable area.
Foam dressings will keep the area of the wound moist, and they will absorb some of the liquid that comes from the wound.
The foam doesn’t stick to the wound like some other dressings, so you are not at risk of causing further damage when the dressing is removed.
When Should You Use Foam Dressing?
Foam dressings can be used as a primary dressing or as a secondary dressing underneath a bandage or on top of gauze.
They also make excellent secondary dressings for wounds that require packing. Foam dressings are used for full thickness or partial thickness wounds, and are often used on burns, skin grafts, blisters and pressure ulcers.
4. Hydrogel
Hydrogel dressings are made up of 90% water suspended in a gel that swells when it comes into contact with water. Hydrogel dressings maintain a warm and moist environment which is good for healing, whilst keeping bacteria and contaminants away from the wound.
Hydrogel can be great for easing pain as it flattens out the skin and prevents puckering etc. It also helps the skin to heal more uniformly and reduces the risk of infection.
Hydrogel dressings are still quite a modern addition to medical practice but they have already made a big difference to wound care.
When Should You Use Hydrogel Dressing?
Hydrogel dressings are ideal if you need to keep a wound moist or introduce some moisture to a dry wound.
They are often used on necrotic wounds or wounds with dead tissue, as the moisture helps the dead or necrotic tissue to come away painlessly.
Hydrogel is only suitable for wounds that release small amounts of liquid, otherwise the wound site can become too wet and the risk of infection increases.
5. Hydrocolloid
Hydrocolloid dressings are similar to hydrogel dressings in that they create a moist environment which can promote healing. However, hydrocolloid dressings are made up of an absorbent pad of flexible, gel-like material within a waterproof film.
Hydrocolloid dressings come with or without adhesive surrounds, and are available in lots of different shapes and sizes. They keep bacteria and other contaminants out of the wound, including liquids due to the waterproof backing.
The inner layer of the dressing absorbs liquids released from the wounds like plasma and blood cells, whilst maintaining a good level of moisture.
They are very useful, they don’t need to be changed as often as some other types of dressings, and they help to prevent scarring.
When Should You Use Hydrocolloid Dressing?
The flexibility of these dressings makes them perfect for using on awkward areas like knees and elbows. They are ideal for burns, necrotic wounds, and pressure ulcers. They can also be used on wounds that release medium amounts of liquid and need a little bit of draining.
Summary
Understanding the different types of wound dressings and when to use them can have a big impact on how well the wound heals and can also assist with the prevention of infection.
Remember that some wounds will require medical treatment from a professional, so if you are concerned you should seek medical attention.
