Top 5 Types of Surgical Dressings for Wound Healing
It goes without saying that when it comes to cuts and scrapes, it is essential that a wound is appropriately dressed, not just to prevent infections but also to ensure that the healing process is sped up and that we minimize the scarring. Knowing what type of dressing is needed for this wound to avoid any more complications is equally impactful.
If we were to leave the wounds uncovered, they would be more susceptible to dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants. A proper dressing would prevent that while absorbing excess fluids. Wound dressings come with many options. Typically, depending on the severity of the wound and its location on the body, we would decide if we may require a more absorbent or adhesive dressing. The material of the dressing is a crucial factor here, where we have options from cotton and silk to synthetic alternatives.
Here are the 5 types of surgical dressings you can use for wound healing. Keep reading to find out the material it’s made of, and the type of wounds these dressings can heal.
- Gauze
Gauze is an everyday wound dressing made of woven or non-woven cotton and is often known and used for absorbing blood and other fluids from wounds. It is ideally used for minor cuts and scrapes, and you should ensure you’re using the right size and thickness of gauze for the injury. Some best practices when wearing gauze are changing it regularly (at least once daily), using medical tape to secure it, and keeping it dry to prevent infections.
- Foam
Foam is another type of wound dressing made out of soft and absorbent material that absorbs fluids and provides cushioning, while you can use it for deeper wounds that need more protection. It would maintain moisture in the wound, and according to its depth, location, and skin condition, we can opt for either more adhesive or non-adhesive options. Like gauze, you should change the dressing regularly to avoid infections.
- Hydrocolloid
These dressings are made of gel-like substances that absorb fluids and create a moist environment that assists healing. The said gel-like sense would provide a barrier that will retain the moisture of the wound. They are typically used for injuries with a lot of drainages, these dressings are also great for more extensive wounds or burns and can be left in place without being changed for several days at a stretch.
- Transparent film
These dressings are perfect for shallow wounds that need protection from dirt and bacteria. They are thin, clear, and adhesive, so they are great for areas like fingertips or joints where other dressings might not stay in place. These dressings can be left in place for several days and don’t need to be changed as frequently as gauze or foam dressings.
- Hydrogel
Hydrogel dressings are great for wounds that need a lot of moisture to heal. They are made of a water-based gel that provides a cooling, soothing effect on the wound. These dressings are great for burns or wounds that are dry and hard to heal.
What does Surtex offer you?
Surtex Industries offers a range of wound dressings, including gauze, foam, hydrocolloid, transparent film, and hydrogel. Surtex’s products are made from high-quality materials designed for optimal wound care. Whether you have a minor cut or a more severe wound, Surtex has an effect that will meet your needs.
Surtex’s products are also designed to meet the needs of healthcare professionals too, to ensure that they have what they need to provide quality care to their patients.
