Gauze is probably the most recognized material in the world of wound treatment. Whether it’s applied after a minor accident or after a major surgery the goal is the same to protect the wound from infection and promote healing. In layman’s terms, gauze is a loose piece of open fabric with an open weave. It is an indispensable part of wound care. Majorly made of cotton, many gauzes are impregnated with solutions that help in wound healing. They help in shielding the wound and preventing the wound from any harm or infections. There are two major bifurcations of gauzes, woven and non-woven dressings. Woven gauze dressings are made of cotton and have an open weave. They are responsible for debridement, absorption, and cleaning of debris and necrotic tissue. Non-woven gauze dressings are made of synthetic fibers pressed together to resemble a weave. They are used when secure padding is needed.
Science has advanced gauze beyond the thin cotton, open weave material of the past, modern gauze is made of various materials, unique weave patterns, including hexagons and impregnated with solutions to promote rapid healing.
Medical gauze pads are available in non-sterile and sterile variations. medical gauze sponges aids used to remove dead tissue from the wound surface and absorb blood. Gauze dressing are disposable and are used in hospitals and medical centers around the world. Gauze sponges are made up of cotton and other non-woven materials. They are available in many fabrics and sizes.
Sterilized gauze has been treated with irradiation, chemicals, or heat to kill micro-organisms to make it suitable for dressing wounds and for absorbing body fluids. It is also known as a primary or contact layer.
Non-sterile gauze, which is primarily intended for bandaging to hold sterilized gauze in place, does not go through the same process and is not to be used as a contact layer
Impregnated Gauze - Dabbed in a solution that helps clean and disinfect wounds
Wrapping Gauze - Used to secure a wound and shield it from contamination
Sponge Gauze - A square shaped gauze used for wound dressings
Anti-Microbial Gauze - Keeps microbes away and prevents infections
Conforming Gauze - Can be shaped, stretched, and twisted in any shape
Drain Gauze - Used to collect exudate and necrotic tissue
Bordered Gauze - Comes with pre-attached medical tapes to easily secure around the wound
Abdominal pads are used to dress large wounds since they have a great padded surface and excellent absorbency. They come in both sterile and non-sterile options and are the perfect choice for ostomies, surgical wounds, and large gashes.
Drain and IV sponges have a hole in the middle that allows the dressing to snugly fit around a tube or catheter. They are mostly used with ostomy related wounds and incisions.
Eye pads are similar to eye patches and work to protect the eye from contamination and infections. They are used for wounds such as conjunctivitis, cataracts, glaucoma, etc.
Gauze pads are small pads made up of open weave and are an important part of first aid kits. They are used for small wounds and wounds with continuous minor seepage of exudate.
Gauze sponges are not sponges per se, but are cut out square pieces of gauze that are used for wounds such as lacerations and punctures. They have good absorbency and can be used as cushions that protect the wound.
One of the most common household medical product, gauze rolls are long rolls of gauze dressings with an open weave. They are the go to option for basic wound dressing at home. They have moderate absorbency and great shielding capacity.
Packing strips are small strips of gauze that are used to pack and seal a wound. Empty cavities in wounds can be breeding grounds for infections and can also allow pooling of exudate. Packing the wound and then dressing it, expedites the healing process.
Gauze dressing are an invaluable tool in wound care and in light of recent natural disasters a fully stocked emergency kit will have a healthy supply of sterile and non-sterile gauze pads. As with any medical treatment, prior to treating wounds requiring specialized gauze applications please consult your physician.
Gauze is a loose piece of open fabric with an open weave. Majorly made of cotton, many gauzes are impregnated with solutions that help in wound healing. At Shop Wound Care, we have a wide range of medical gauzes from top selling brands such as Covidien, Medline, McKesson, etc.
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