Wound Dressing Types

Chronic wounds are wounds that will not heal on their own. Most wounds will heal within two to three months, but when a wound still hasn’t healed after this period, it is considered chronic. Although anyone can experience a chronic wound, they are most common in the elderly.

If your loved one has a chronic wound, the importance of taking proper care cannot be stressed enough. Chronic wounds should be treated by a doctor or other medical professional to determine which is the best and most effective treatment/dressing depends on what sort of wound exists. Your elderly loved one may need assistance dressing the wound at home. Understanding the types of wound dressings available as well as how to choose the right one can help you provide the best care.

Types of Wound Dressings & When to Use Them

1. Gauze Sponge

Type of wound used for: All wounds

Made from 100% cotton, gauze sponges absorb drainage such as blood or other fluids making them a good, all-purpose wound dressing whether you need to clean, dress, pack, or prep a wound. This option is also economical.

2. Gauze Bandage Roll

Type of wound used for: All wounds

Gauze bandage rolls are made from 100% cotton and can be used as a first layer dressing or for an added layer of protection. This type of wound dressing is perfect for wounds on limbs or on the head, as well as wounds that are difficult to dress.

3. Non-Adherent Pads

Type of wound used for: Wounds with light to moderate drainage; works well for acute wounds and skin tears

This type of wound dressing protects wounds without sticking to the wound itself. It’s an easy, all-in-one dressing that can be placed over any minimally draining wound.

4. Non-Adherent Wet Dressings

Type of wound used for: Wounds with light to moderate drainage; works well with burns

These dressings are ideal as a primary layer to keep the wound bed moist, which helps to promote cell migration. Non-adherent wet dressings conform to the wound without sticking to the surface.

5. Foam Dressings

Type of wound used for: Wounds with moderate to heavy discharge; works well with pressure injuries

Foam dressings are ultra-soft and highly absorbent thanks to the foam material they are comprised of. This type of wound dressing helps to cushion and protect the wound while maintaining a healthy level of moisture.

6. Calcium Alginates

Type of wound used for: Wounds with moderate to heavy discharge; works well for arterial ulcers

This type of wound dressing is highly absorbent and can hold as much as 20 times its weight in moisture. It is especially useful in wicking moisture out of deep tunneling areas of a wound.

7. Hydrogel Dressings

Type of wound used for: Wounds that are dry or mostly dry; any wound with dead tissue

Hydrogel dressings lend moisture to a wound which can help breakdown dry and dead tissue. By keeping the wound moisturized, it helps to promote cell growth.

8. Transparent Dressings

Type of wound used for: Securement layer

Transparent dressings allow the transfer of moisture while offering a great securement layer as well as visualization of the wound. This is a great option for covering an IV.

9. Alcohol Preps

Type of wound used for: Use these for prepping, not for dressing the actual wound

Alcohol preps aren’t a type of wound dressing but are necessary when preparing to dress a wound.

How to Choose the Right Wound Dressing

When it comes to wound dressings, there are numerous types available. Learning the types of wound dressings is the first step to knowing which is right to use. Once you’re aware of the different types of wound dressings, the next thing to do is assess the wound and ask yourself these questions:

• What type of wound is it?
• What does the surrounding tissue look like?
• What do the edges of the wound look like?
• How much, if any, drainage is there?

This assessment will help you determine which stage of the healing process the wound is in as well as which wound dressing will promote the most rejuvenation. Select a dressing that promotes an environment that is neither too wet nor too dry. The wound bed will need to be able to move through the healing cycle in order to recover quickly without becoming infected.

It’s important to note that the right wound dressing will allow the wound to stay covered for longer periods. This is important because studies show that when wounds are dressed twice daily, there is an increase in infection rate.

Contact Sonas for Home Care Services in Florida

Caring for your elderly loved one can be a challenge, especially if they have a chronic wound. While providing them with the best care is your priority, doing so can be hard when you have to juggle your career and family at the same time. That’s where Sonas Home Health Care can help. We provide custom care plans which include wound care and dressing changes.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home health care services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care. Call today (888) 592-5855.

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.