Wound Care Basics: Understanding Dressings and Bandages

Dressing

A dressing is a sterile material placed directly over a wound to:

• Protect the wound from contaminants (dirt, bacteria) and further injury.
• Absorb blood, pus, or other fluids, keeping the wound clean and dry.
• Promote healing—some dressings contain antimicrobial agents or healing-promoting substances.

Common materials include sterile gauze, cotton, and foam.

Bandaging

Bandaging secures the dressing and supports the injured area. Purposes include:

• Holding the dressing firmly in place.
• Providing support to restrict movement and prevent further damage.
• Applying compression (when appropriate) to control bleeding, reduce swelling, and improve circulation.

Bandages may be elastic, non-elastic, or cohesive (e.g., gauze rolls, adhesive tape, elastic wraps).

Key Points

• The choice of dressing and bandage depends on wound type, location, and patient needs.
• Follow proper wound care techniques.
• Seek medical attention for severe wounds or those not improving.