Wound dressings have always been a common method of wound care for those who suffer from burn injuries, dog bites, and open wounds. They have evolved through the years and there are now several different types of wound dressings on the market. It is essentially a sterile adhesive pad or plaster that is applied directly to an open wound to aid healing and prevent further damage to the wound. Typically, a dressing is designed to rest directly on the wound itself, as opposed to a bandage that is used to keep dressings in place by adhering to the skin. Some modern dressings are even self-adhering. They consist of a dressing pad, a dressing stick, or both, pressed into the wound with the intent to cover it and protect it from infection. The purpose of a dressing is to provide temporary relief from pain and promote healing within the shortest amount of time possible.
A dressing is generally designed to be directly in contact with the wound to prevent contamination, as opposed to a bandage, which is often placed over a wound to contain it and provide temporary relief from pain. Additionally, many modern dressings are self-adhesive. While most dressings will stay in place for the length of time needed, some types are designed to break down with movement. For example, rubber bandages are designed to tear after prolonged use, forcing users to replace them with a new one. While this isn't always necessary, it is more expensive to replace a wound dressing than it is to simply change the bandage itself. Wound dressings such as gauze and petroleum jelly are also commonly used as temporary dressings, as they provide similar benefits for less than the price of a bandage.
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