7 Types Of Wound Dressings & When To Use Each

When it comes to wound healing, it is vital to ensure that healing is as fast and effective as possible, for this using the right dressing is crucial. The type of dressing used for dressing a wound should always depend on various factors, including the type of injury, the size, location, and severity.

At CLH, we have a range of different wound dressings on offer, each of which is ideal for treating different wounds. From hydrogel and hydrocolloid to alginate dressings, we have a wide range of options on offer.

To make the process of choosing the right functional wound dressing for the injury, that little bit easier, we have put together the guide below, detailing what each of the seven most commonly used wound dressings should be used for.

These dressings require changing around every two days, sometimes more, due to the amount of liquid that they absorb and the nature of the wound care. Changing them too often could cause too much dryness or could lead to bacteria penetrating the wound. These should only be used for wet wounds with high liquid drainage; else they can hinder healing by drying out wounds too quickly.

4. Collagen

Collagen dressings can be used for chronic wounds or stalled wounds, pressure sores, transplant sites, surgical wounds, ulcers, burns, or injuries with a large surface area. These dressings act including orthopedic external fixation as a scaffolding for new cells to grow and can be highly effective when it comes to healing.

These dressings are breathable but impermeable to bacteria, helping to keep the wound clean and dry, preventing infection and speeding up healing. They are also flexible, which makes them comfortable to wear.

7. Cloth

Cloth dressings are the most commonly used dressings, often used to protect open wounds or areas of broken skin. They are suitable for minor injuries such as grazes, cuts or areas of delicate skin.

These dressings come in all shapes and sizes, from small coverings for fingers to larger ones for wounds and therapeutic patch across wider areas of the body. As well as pre-cut dressings, these also come in a roll option that is made to be cut to size.