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A medical dressing is a sterile pad or compress placed on wounds to ensure that the wound heals well and is protected from external harm or infections. Dressings are employed in wound care to curb bleeding, absorb excess fluids, and act as a shield against bacteria and other microorganisms, paving the way for wound healing. The procedure for dressing includes cleaning, disinfecting, and protecting the wound, all while maintaining strict standards of hygiene.
Necessary supplies such as sterile gloves, dressings, and scissors are ensured, and patient medical history and vital signs are obtained.
Your healthcare provider cleanses your wound with a sterile solution, and an appropriate dressing type is applied based on your wound. Your healthcare provider also makes sure that the wound is properly secured and covered.
The dressing site is then checked properly for any signs of bleeding or infection. The patient is educated with proper instructions, and follow-up appointments are scheduled.
Consult our plastic surgery hospital if you need Best Care for Dressing in Kolkata for wounds or other skin issues.
Dressing means the material applied, or the application itself of material, to a wound for protection, healing, and absorbance. Book an online consultation now.
When a dressing is applied to a wound, it creates a protective barrier, guarding against infections and microorganisms minimising pain, swelling, and redness. Moreover, it promotes the absorption of wound drainage and creates a moist environment around the wound for efficient healing.
Your medical healthcare provider decides the type of dressing needed for your wound by considering several parameters, such as the type and severity of the wound, the amount of wound drainage, your wound healing progress, the presence of infections, patient comfort and preferences, and allergies and sensitivity reactions to certain dressing materials.
If your medical provider recommends dressing up a small wound, possible factors could be to avoid a risk of infection and promote a moist environment on your wounds. While minor cuts and bruises can be left open to heal on their own, moisture has a crucial role to play in the wound healing process. Research suggests that keeping your wounds moist around the area promotes faster healing, cell regeneration, and repair.
There are more than 3000 different wound dressings, each with unique features to address diverse types of wounds. Common wound dressings include, but are not limited to:
Gauze Dressings are a type of dressing composed of cotton and synthetic fibres. They are considered a popular choice for wound care because they are inexpensive. While they are effective in wound cleaning and achieving homeostasis, they do not provide an effective barrier against infections or maintain a moist environment when used alone. Therefore, Gauze dressings are paired with other dressings for efficient healing.
Non-adherent Dressings are used to reduce pain during dressing changes and are composed of materials that do not stick to the wound, such as silicone or low-adherent fibres, These dressings are suitable for wounds that involve tissues that are delicate or fragile, such as burns, skin grafts, and donor sites.
Hydrocolloid Dressings are a unique kind of wound dressing made of hydrocolloid particles, which include carboxymethylcellulose, gelatin, and pectin. These particles are present in the inner layer of the dressing, enhancing wound healing and creating a moist environment. Moreover, hydrocolloid dressings are waterproof and are generally used in minor wounds.
Foam Dressings are composed of polyurethane foam and are predominantly employed in treating wounds catergorised as moderate to severe. Foam dressings absorb large amounts of wound drainage and are used in traumatic wounds, ulcers, and fistulas.
Medical professionals also administer treatments for extremely severe wounds, such as Negative Wound Therapy (NPWT) Dressings which use negative pressure to remove wound drainage. They also use Biological Dressings made from natural sources and Bioengineered Skin Dressings, which are harvested from patients's cells to replace damaged skin tissue.
Your medical professional will instruct you on what to do if your dressing becomes wet or dirty, including the steps to take. The usual steps needed to follow are
Prepare for a dress change.
Remove dirty dressing.
Cleanse and assess the wound.
Apply a new dressing.
Monitor for changes.
Seek medical attention if necessary if the wound worsens
The type of dressing you have determines how you should care for your wound. Showering is generally preferable to bathing when you are healing, but it's important to avoid getting your wound wet. Swimming is not recommended as it can increase the risk of infection. However, if your dressings are waterproof, there may be exceptions. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance if you are unsure.
While studies show petroleum jelly is effective in keeping your skin moist, it is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on applying any type of ointment or cream. Using the wrong products may hinder your healing process and increase your risk of infection.
If you are worried that your wound is not healing as expected or if you have concerns, you should contact your healthcare provider. Healthcare providers at Manipal Hospitals in Broadway are available to assist you, address your concerns, and guide you to change your dressings.