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Scientific and effective wound care requires the precise selection of medical consumables based on the wound type and healing stage. Whether dealing with acute trauma or chronic ulcers, the rational use of wound care supplies not only reduces the risk of infection but also accelerates tissue repair and prevents complications. Starting from the basic understanding of common wound types, this document analyzes the professional consumables required during the care process, covering routine dressing change procedures, dressing selection strategies, and their core roles in promoting healing. Practical answers to common issues are also provided at the end.
Wounds vary widely, and different causes and symptoms require targeted care. Common types include the following:
Caused by prolonged pressure leading to obstructed local blood circulation, resulting in ischemic damage to skin and subcutaneous tissues. Often seen in bedridden or immobile individuals, commonly occurring at bony prominences such as the coccyx and heels.
Chronic wounds caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy or circulatory disorders, commonly found on the soles or toes. These wounds are slow to heal and prone to infection.
Caused by poor venous return in the lower limbs, leading to blood pooling. Manifestations include pigmentation and edema in the mid-lower legs, eventually forming chronic ulcers, especially on the medial side of the legs.
Resulting from insufficient arterial blood supply leading to ischemic necrosis. Commonly appear on the distal foot or ankle, with deep wounds, obvious pain, and pale, dry wound surfaces.
Incisions formed post-surgery, requiring targeted care based on surgical type, site, and individual differences to prevent infection and dehiscence.
Wounds with unknown causes or unusual presentations, potentially due to rare diseases, infections, or systemic autoimmune conditions. Diagnosis requires detailed medical history and laboratory examination.
Ulcers formed by direct invasion or metastasis of malignant tumors to the skin, often with cauliflower or mushroom-like appearance, accompanied by exudate, bleeding, and odor.
Injuries to skin and deep tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Classified from first to third degree depending on depth, requiring assessment for targeted treatment.
Selecting appropriate medical supplies based on wound characteristics and care needs can significantly improve care outcomes and ensure safe procedures.
Made from cotton fibers, available in regular and sterile versions. Mainly used to cover wounds and absorb exudate, or as a base protective layer under other dressings. Suitable for superficial abrasions and post-operative incisions, with strong breathability. Choose single or multi-layer gauze based on exudate volume.
Including elastic bandages, self-adhesive bandages, and functional dressings. Bandages fix gauze or dressings on wounds and can apply pressure to stop bleeding. Special dressings are designed for chronic ulcers or infected wounds, offering moisturizing or antibacterial properties. Elastic bandages suit joint areas, and self-adhesive ones are convenient and secure.
Includes paper, fabric, and hypoallergenic silicone types. Used to secure dressings or bandages, selected based on skin sensitivity. Paper tape is suitable for fragile skin, and silicone tape has moderate adhesion and is gentle during removal.
Soft, absorbent synthetic materials often used to fill deep wounds or cavity ulcers. Their high absorbency reduces dressing change frequency while maintaining optimal moisture and avoiding excessive dryness and scabbing.
Individually packaged disposable disinfection products containing 75% ethanol. Used to clean skin around wounds or disinfect instruments, quickly killing bacteria and easy to carry. Not to be applied directly on open wounds to avoid tissue irritation.
Containing sterile scissors, tweezers, and protective tools, designed for removing sutures. Materials must be sterilized, and sterile procedures followed during use to minimize infection risk, applicable after surgical wound healing.
Dual-ended with wooden or plastic shafts and cotton tips. Used to dip antiseptics for precise cleaning of wound edges or apply ointments. Individually packaged sterile swabs are suitable for invasive procedures.
Fluffy cotton materials sterilized at high temperatures. Can be soaked in solution for moist wound dressing or used for skin disinfection over large areas. Suitable for low-exudate wounds or local pressure before hemostasis.
Made from latex, nitrile, or PVC for single use to prevent cross-contamination. Worn before procedures to protect both healthcare workers and patients from pathogen exposure.
Made from waterproof non-woven fabric or plastic, placed in the operation area to maintain a sterile environment. For example, placed under patients during dressing changes to prevent fluid contamination. Single-use design ensures hygiene and eliminates cleaning steps.
Proper combinations of wound care supplies provide physical protection, moisture balance, and anti-infection support, thus optimizing the healing process.
Dressing changes must strictly follow sterile principles. The following items are basic tools:
Used in the preparation stage, such as cleaning the environment or handling non-sterile items, to prevent hand contamination. Suitable for cleaning the skin around wounds or handling waste dressings.
Worn when contacting open wounds, applying ointments, or covering dressings to ensure aseptic procedures and protect both wound and healthcare personnel.
Typically normal saline or low-concentration povidone-iodine, used to gently rinse the wound surface and surrounding skin, removing necrotic tissue, scabs, and debris for a clean treatment environment.
Core material in dressing changes, placed directly on the wound to absorb exudate and block external bacteria. Choose single or multi-layer based on exudate amount, and replace daily to maintain dryness.
For wounds requiring multiple layers or pressure dressings, the second layer helps fix the inner dressing, enhances absorption, and reduces frictional irritation to the wound.
Used to cut tape, bandages, or adjust dressing size. Blunt-tipped to avoid accidental injury. Must be disinfected with alcohol before use or replaced with sterile disposable scissors.
Secures gauze or bandage edges, should be low-allergen. Avoid direct application on moist skin and ensure firm adhesion without affecting local blood flow.
Multilayer design with a waterproof, bacteria-blocking surface and absorbent inner layer. Ideal for moderate to heavy exudate wounds like pressure ulcers or post-operative sites. Reduces local pressure, dressing frequency, and maintains optimal moisture to avoid adhesion.
Composed of hydrophilic colloid particles and elastic base. Turns into gel when contacting exudate. Suitable for superficial burns or abrasions, providing a sealed environment to accelerate autolytic debridement. No frequent changes needed and is waterproof and dustproof, ideal for daily activities.
Contain nano silver ions with broad-spectrum antibacterial effects. For infected or high-risk wounds (e.g., diabetic foot ulcers), continuously release silver ions to suppress bacterial growth, control odor, and promote granulation tissue.
Thin, clear polyurethane material allowing wound observation without removal. Suitable for puncture sites or superficial incisions, waterproof and breathable, reduces friction. Especially useful for IV site fixation and newborn skin care.
Derived from brown seaweed fibers, form a gel when absorbing fluid to maintain moisture. Suitable for deep cavity wounds or heavily exuding pressure ulcers, simultaneously hemostatic and debriding. Must be rinsed with saline during changes to avoid residue.
Contain up to 90% water, actively hydrate dry wounds. Used for burn scabs or radiation dermatitis, softening crusts and relieving pain, promoting epithelial migration and repair.
Woven from carboxymethylcellulose fibers, absorb exudate vertically to prevent lateral spread. Suitable for venous ulcers or exudative infected wounds, reducing skin maceration and minimizing damage to new tissue during removal.
Wet dressing uses saline-soaked gauze to moisten the wound, stimulate drainage, and soften necrotic tissue—used in early debridement stages. Dry dressing with sterile gauze for low-exudate wounds absorbs fluid and maintains dryness, typically used in late healing for protection.
Dressings create ideal healing conditions through multiple mechanisms:
· Serve as physical barriers to isolate bacteria and friction, reducing infection and secondary injury.
· Precisely regulate moisture—absorbing excess exudate to prevent maceration, while preventing dryness to promote epithelial migration and collagen synthesis.
· Dressings with antibacterial agents (e.g., silver ions) inhibit pathogens, reducing antibiotic dependence.
· Moist environments in dressings promote gentle debridement and painless slough removal.
· High-absorbency materials like alginate quickly remove exudate and control odor, improving comfort.
· Soft, conforming dressings reduce pain and pressure, avoiding trauma during changes.
· Most importantly, they adapt to different healing phases—antibacterial control in acute phase, moisturizing in proliferative phase, and oxygen permeability in repair phase—optimizing microenvironments and reducing scarring.
Different dressings optimize the healing environment through moisture regulation, antimicrobial properties, and mechanical protection. Clinical selection should be dynamically adjusted based on wound stage and exudate volume. Correct and scientific application reduces complications and scarring, significantly improving outcomes in acute/chronic wounds, post-operative sites, and complex ulcers. Dressings are a vital pillar in advancing wound healing and patient recovery.
For sensitive skin, choose low-allergen dressings such as silicone, hydrocolloid, or foam types. These materials are soft, breathable, and have mild adhesives that don't irritate. Prefer products labeled “fragrance-free” and “alcohol-free” and perform a patch test. If wounds are inflamed or red, use dressings with antimicrobial but non-irritating formulas under medical guidance.
Frequency depends on wound type, exudate volume, and dressing properties. Typically daily during the acute or heavily exuding stage; when healing begins and exudate decreases, change every 2–3 days or as directed. If the dressing shifts, leaks, smells, or causes discomfort, replace immediately. Follow medical instructions strictly for specialized dressings.
Most medical dressings are single-use and must not be reused. Reuse reduces antimicrobial efficacy, fluid absorption, and may harbor microbes, increasing infection risk. Only some gauze types may be temporarily reused after sterilization in emergencies, under strict conditions. Dressings containing drugs or antimicrobial agents must never be reused.