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Home / First Aid / How to Dress A Wound

How to Dress A Wound

Picture of Anum Mansoor

Anum Mansoor

  • 12 min read

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Knowing how to dress a wound appropriately is a crucial skill that can save lives and prevent a situation from getting out of control. When done right, wound dressings help prevent wounds and cuts from getting infected. However, you must assess the wound before deciding how to dress it. Let’s go through the essential steps and procedures you need to take to take care of a wound effectively.

Types of Dressings for Wounds

Let’s discuss the types of dressings for your wounds; you have a variety to choose from: what you decide to choose depends on the severity of the injury

  1. Plasters: Plasters are perfect for minor cuts and scrapes.
  2. Bandages: work well for wounds that are larger than cuts and scrapes
  3. Tapes: Tapes are used to help with dressings, making sure dressings stay in place.
  4. Compresses: Perfect for applying pressure to bleeding wounds.

Being equipped with the appropriate items and knowledge can go a long way when dealing with a situation where you need to tend to a wound swiftly without wasting a second. You need to be well-informed regarding the kind of dressing you need. Keep in mind that you should only cover a wound if it continuously produces liquid or is going to come in contact with clothes. This aids in preventing infections. Additionally, the right kind of dressing helps prevent exposure to dust, which can potentially protect an individual from infections

If you’re ready to gain the skills and knowledge to handle wounds effectively, whether it be a minor scrape or a deep wound, Learn how to choose the right dressing, how to apply it properly, and familiarise yourself with the essentials of First Aid with expert guidance today by joining our Emergency First Aid at Work Course

Choosing the Right Wound Dressing

To find the best dressing, assess the type and size of your wound. Here’s how to tackle some everyday situations:

Minor Scrapes and Cuts

After thoroughly cleansing the wound, assess it and choose a dressing based on its size. For minor cuts, an Elastoplast Fabric Extra Flexible Plaster works wonders. For more significant scratches, opt for the Elastoplast Heavy Fabric Waterproof XL. If the bleeding is substantial, apply pressure using a dressing like the Elastoplast Non-Stick Dressing to help control it.

Blisters

If your blister is still intact, it is advisable to leave it uncovered. Letting it heal naturally is the best way to manage such blisters. However, if it’s on the part of your body where it’s going to come in contact with clothing or shoes, then it is recommended that you protect it with an Elastoplast Blister Plaster; this will aid in quick healing.

Cuts on specific areas

For cuts on fingers, heels, knuckles, and knees—areas that move a lot—use Elastoplast Extra Flexible Fabric Plasters. They provide excellent protection while allowing for movement. Alternatively, consider a pressure dressing or Elastoplast Spray Plaster; it’s easy to apply and works well in tricky spots.

If you need help with the proper dressing for your wound, our interactive wound advisor tool can help guide you.

Specialised Wound Dressing Procedures

Some wounds require specialized attention, especially if you have sensitive skin, need waterproof protection, or have more significant injuries.

Wound Dressing for Sensitive Skin

If your skin tends to react to specific materials, choosing dressings designed for sensitivity is essential. Elastoplast Sensitive Plasters provide gentle yet secure adhesion for minor wounds. They come in various sizes, or you can easily cut them to fit.

For extremely delicate skin, try Elastoplast Silicone Soft Plasters. They’re super gentle and designed for painless removal, making them perfect if you frequently change your dressings.

Waterproof Dressings

If your daily activities involve water, opt for Elastoplast Aqua Protect Waterproof Plasters. These dressings keep your wound sealed and protected, allowing flexibility and breathability. The Elastoplast Heavy Fabric Waterproof Plaster offers strong adhesion without sacrificing comfort for more demanding activities.

Larger Wounds

After a minor surgery, more extensive wounds might need more substantial dressings. Elastoplast Antibacterial Waterproof XXL Plasters contain antibacterial silver to keep the area clean and reduce infection risks. They’re non-stick and effective even in wet conditions.

For sensitive skin, the Elastoplast Sensitive Antibacterial XL/XXL plasters provide a comfortable seal while cushioning and protecting against bacteria.

Wound Dressing Steps

Dressing a wound properly involves just a few straightforward steps:

  1. Act quickly: Attend to the wound as soon as possible.
  2. Clean the wound: Rinse gently with clean water to remove dirt or debris.
  3. Cover with the proper dressing: Choose a dressing that fits your wound’s size and type.
  4. Apply a wound healing ointment: This can help heal and reduce the risk of infection.
  5. Change your dressing regularly: Aim to change it daily for hygiene or follow your doctor’s advice.

How Often Should You Change Dressings?

As a general rule, you should change the dressing every day for hygiene purposes, unless your doctor advises you not to. By following these steps and understanding the various types of wound dressings, you can effectively care for your injuries at home. Remember, proper dressing first aid is essential for preventing complications and supporting your body’s natural healing process. Taking the time to care for your wounds can help you feel better faster!

Wound Dressing for Hard to Dress Areas

If you have sensitive skin, you can’t avoid water while your wound is healing. If your wound is massive or deep, you will need an appropriate dressing to ensure it heals properly. If your pain receptors are extra sensitive to certain substances, then you would need to be extra careful when choosing a dressing for the wound. You would need to choose a dressing that won’t irritate your skin. Here are some examples of dressings for sensitive skin.

Elastoplast sensitive plasters– These are all-purpose adhesive plasters for people with easily irritated skin. They are built to protect minor wounds and come in various sizes.

Elastoplast Silicone Soft Plasters are ideal for individuals with highly fragile, sensitive skin who require extra care to treat the wound. They also work best when the plaster is changed frequently; the removal is smooth and 100 percent pain-free.

Waterproof protection: If your work involves exposure to water and the affected area is wet quite often, you’d need to protect the wound from harmful bacteria.

Elastoplast Aqua Protect Waterproof Plasters: It is imperative that you use these for small wounds, cuts, or scrapes. They are ideal if you’ll be exposing the wound to water repeatedly.

Elastoplast Heavy Fabric Waterproof Plaster: If you require a plaster with an extra-strong adhesive that does not compromise flexibility or breathability, an Elastoplast heavy fabric waterproof plaster is ideal. Its HI-DRY TEX technology ensures protection and care even during heavy-duty activities.

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