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Wound Dressings

Get the Wound Dressings You Need for Less Than You Think

When stocking a first aid kit it is vital that you include as many different types of wound dressing as possible. From waterproof, sterile and high strength adhesive to non stick or highly absorbent, at Seton, we supply only the best wound dressing materials.

Research shows that wounds can result in infections if left unprotected. Therefore, it is vital that injuries are patched up immediately and effectively. Shop our extensive range that will enable you to treat a variety of wounds, including minor cuts to larger grazes and major bleeding wounds today.

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Wound Dressing- What You Need To Know

Why wound dressing is important

When a wound such as cuts, scrapes, grazes and more are created it is vital that due medical care is given correctly in order that complications are avoided and the area heals effectively. Proper wound care, including the use of appropriate dressings, performs a number of key functions. Applicable to both acute and chronic wounds, these primary functions are;

  • Prevent infection
  • Promote healing
  • Minimise scarring

PREVENTS INFECTION

A correctly applied wound dressing forms a protective barrier which defends the site against the intrusion of bacteria and viruses.

RETAINS MOISTURE

Wounds heal best when properly protected from open air. A moist wound with the right amount of drainage heals fastest and best.

LIMITS SCARRING

Keeping a wound moist, keeps the area supple and soft. This reduces the likelihood of scar tissue forming.

Applying suitable treatment and materials for wound dressing offers a strong protective barrier against bacteria and viruses that may lead to infection. The type of barrier required will depend on a number of factors including the severity and type of the wound, added to this is the location and anticipated use of the afflicted limb(s). For example a cut on the hand may require a water-resistant covering item that is capable of resisting hand-washing or swimming, whereas this attribute is unlikely to be required for Eye Dressings.

There is a widely accepted concept that wounds, particularly the more minor cases where the injury only affects the top layers of skin heal faster when left uncovered; exposed to the air. Put simply, this just isn’t true. Studies have shown that covering a wound helps to create a healing environment. A good wound dressing will absorb excess fluids whilst retaining a moist environment. It is this moist environment that promotes cell growth; whereas exposing the wound to the elements can lead to stunted growth of new cells or even scarring - the almost direct opposite of the healing desired.

Used in combination with suitable ointments or lotions a properly dressed wound site will remain supple and soft. Doing so encourages production of new tissue that is the same type of those that had been damaged, instead of scarring. While a degree of scarring may be inevitable, it is important to remember that once the fibrous scar tissue has grown, it will not recover. Added consideration here is that it may impact the proper function of the affected area if it is in sufficient quantity; as it does not hold the same properties as non-scarred tissue.

FAQ

What dressing for what wound?

In clinical wound management, the choice of material is highly circumstantial. Deciding which type of dressing is appropriate will depend on a number of factors, including;

  • The type and size of wound
  • The site of the wound
  • The stage and anticipated rate of healing

There have been few clinical trials able to establish a clear advantage for any particular product. The choice between different dressings depends not only on the type and stage of the wound, but also on patient preference or tolerance, site of the wound, and cost.

Wound Management Products and Elasticated Garments
NICE

Those looking for a general all-in-one solution should opt for the Assorted Dressings Value Pack, as it includes a variety of bandage types in a comprehensive, money-saving pack. Each of the items is wrapped individually to aid hygiene and maintain freshness, with an added bag of safety pins for quick fastening.

Product Contents
Assorted Dressings Value Pack
Eye Pad Dressing10
Sterile Medium Dressing10
Sterile Large Dressing10
Finger Dressing10
Safety Pins12

For the treatment of almost any skin wound, our premium-quality Wound Dressings are essential. These absorb fluids, cover injuries and protect exposed areas of flesh from infection - ideal before transferring patients to hospital for further medical treatment. They can also be used as general multi-purpose items for acute cuts and grazes and are suitable for use alongside other supplies, such as plasters, as part of an extensive first aid kit solution. The Wound Closure Strips are another item which are suitable for closing lacerations, cuts and incisions while reducing the risk of infection and scarring.

We understand that medical professionals often need supplies that go above and beyond standard first aid packages. The TraumaFix Dressings are one such example, as they are designed for high exudate injuries and major bleeds. The absorbent material and Velcro-style fastening can hold substantial amounts of exudate and apply pressure to the wound to stem blood flow. The Xtreme Adhesive Dressing Pads and Ambulance Dressings are ideal for ambulances, accident and emergency departments and any other environment where serious injuries need patching up in a short space of time. The latter item is available in a range of size options to suit most applications.

We also have designs for different parts of the body. The Adhesive Dressings are perfect for the management of wounds to the elbow, hip or neck, the Occlusive Adhesive Eye Pad covers the eye with a thick, comfortable and hygienic material, and the Self-Seal Finger Dressings and Finger Buddies can be wrapped around fingers for higher protection than standard plasters. Meanwhile, the Sterile Nasal Wool is designed to absorb nose bleeds.

Wound Dressings Wound Closure Strips TraumaFix Dressing Xtreme Adhesive Dressing Pads Ambulance Dressings Adhesive Dressings
Sterile
Absorbent
Water Resistant/Proof
Non/Low Adherent
Body Part Specific
Occlusive Adhesive Eye Pad Self-Seal Finger Dressings Dressing Strips Finger Buddies Sterile Nasal Wool Low-Adherent Dressings
Sterile
Absorbent
Water Resistant/Proof
Non/Low Adherent
Body Part Specific

Other options include our Multisoft Plasters, which are an ideal way to care for allergy sufferers and those with sensitive skin. The plasters come in a plastic case and are sold in different assortment of sizes for use alongside other first aid supplies, such as cleansers. The Dressing Strips offer similar healing protection, but first aiders can use scissors to cut these strips to the desired length and apply as needed to a variety of different wounds. These non sterilised products are suitable for a range of minor injuries.

The Low-Adherent Dressings are also a great non stick alternative to some of the stronger bonding products, as they feature a film surface that prevents the material from sticking to a healing wound, which makes them more comfortable for patients and minimises trauma following an accident. These dressings are also suited for the treatment of burns and other injuries where the removal of standard supplies may be painful and risk the reopening of cuts and wounds.

How to apply dressing on wound?

PREPARE PROPERLY

Before applying any wound dressing you should always wash your hands and wear surgical gloves, if they are available.

GET COMFORTABLE

Get comfortable in a seated or laid down position. If the wound is bleeding, raise the limb above the heart height and apply pressure.

USE THE RIGHT DRESSING

Make sure you don’t touch the main contact point of the dressing. Apply firmly and always use a dressing slightly bigger than the wound.

When dressing any wound, particularly if it is bleeding, it is important to follow some basic practices. Essential skin wound dressing steps include;

  1. Wash your hands and, if available, wear surgical gloves.
  2. Get into a seated or lay down position, raise the affected limb higher than the heart and apply pressure (if the wound is bleeding).
  3. Select a dressing slightly bigger than the afflicted area.
  4. Always hold the dressing at the edges and never touch the area that will be in contact with the injury.

Most dressing products fall into one of two types - sterile dressing pads or gauze used with a bandage or adherent dressings.

Sterile Dressing Pads

When applying this type of product it is important to;

  • Thoroughly clean and dry the injury site and surrounding tissue
  • Remove the pad from the packaging and lay it onto the affected area
  • Wrap the short end of the bandage once around the limb
  • Wrap the other end of the bandage around the limb making sure the whole pad is covered
  • Tie the bandage ends together, so that slight pressure is applied

Adherent Dressings

When applying this type of product it is important to;

  • Thoroughly clean and dry the injury site and surrounding tissue
  • Remove the dressing from the packaging, holding it by the protective strips only
  • Place directly onto the wound and slowly pull back the protective strips, pressing down the adhesive as you do so

For more information on the best way to apply wound dressings, take a look at the NHS advice.

Is wound dressing a sterile procedure?

When applying an initial covering or changing a dressing, it is imperative that the area is kept as clean as possible. It may be useful to understand the key differences between the clean and sterile techniques.

In a clinical context, the clean technique focuses on utilising methods to minimise the overall number of microorganisms present, while the sterilised technique focuses on utilising methods to reduce or eliminate exposure to microorganisms. Both methods employ practices such as washing hands and using suitably prepared instruments and materials.

Clean

Aims to minimise contamination of the wound site and surrounding area. This includes thorough washing of hands and materials, as well as wearing gloves.

Contact with the wound is strictly avoided.

This may also be referred to as non-sterile.

VS

Sterile

Aims to eliminate contamination of the wound site and surrounding area. This includes intense washing of hands and the use of sterilised materials, as well as wearing gloves.

Contact with the wound may be limited to sterilised materials or equipment only.

As such it is important to be realistic about what can be achieved in the situation, as well as what is the best course for the circumstances. For example Non-Sterile Gauze Swabs are best deployed to apply cleansing antiseptic solutions and ointments. As a result each of the 100 swabs are not individually wrapped.

However the Steropax Premium First Aid Dressing range is supplied individually wrapped to maintain sterility of the dressing. Each unmedicated pad is ultra-absorbent and helps cushion the injury whilst providing initial protection against infection.

How often should wound dressings be changed?

How often a covering may require changing will depend, to an extent, on the type of injury and the dressing selected. As a general rule of thumb; dressings should be changed as soon as they become dirty or excessively moistened. According to their severity, injuries may heal at a different rate from one another.

For minor cuts, scrapes, grazes and other open wounds that heal more quickly, the plaster or dressing item can usually be removed after a couple or days; once the wound has closed.

For more serious injuries and chronic wounds, such as ulcers, it is considered better to keep the selected dressing in place as long as possible; up to around 7 days for selected products. Extending the time between changes results in minimal disruption to the healing process.

Do wound dressings expire?

Yes, absolutely. Although the product may or may not show an expiry date on the packaging, it is not recommended to use a wound covering, such as a bandage, that is past its expiration date.

Always consult the packaging or the manufacturer supplied instructions however if none are supplied in the pack it is advised that dressings are not kept for longer than 3 to 5 years, subject to the type of product selected and the storage conditions.

At Seton, we stock a huge range of products suitable for the proper covering of acute and chronic wounds. Each item is in stock, ready for dispatch from our UK distribution centre. Order today for rapid fuss-free delivery.