Cover

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Cover the wound in a way that keeps it clean, protected, and easy to change the next time.

Bandages are made up of 3 layers:

  • Bottom Layer - Non-Stick Layer
    • The first layer should be a non-adherent or nonstick layer that won’t stick to the wound. It can go right on top of the open area. It should extend over the whole area so the wound is totally covered with a nonstick layer.
  • Middle Layer - Absorbent Layer
    • After the non-stick layer is in place, additional gauze in the form of gauze pads can be applied. The gauze comes in small and large sizes. If the wound is on an arm or leg, you can wrap over top of the gauze pads with rolled gauze.
    • Larger wounds or those that require more absorbent material to control drainage may require multiple layers of gauze.
  • Top Layer - Secure Layer
    • If you are wrapping an arm or leg, use BRIC tape. It is white and has The BRIC logo on it. It is best to wrap it gently without too much tightness, but tight enough it won't fall off. There is also plastic tape that can be applied directly to the skin to secure the bandage.

All-in-One Bandage:

This can be applied as a dressing where the nonstick portion is already attached to an adhesive, such as with an “island dressing” or a “band-aid”. If you use an all-in-one dressing, then you have the non adherent layers as well as the adhesive layer all in one bandage, and no additional steps are needed. If you are covering a larger wound or there is a lot of drainage, the 3 part dressing may be better, where you first apply the nonstick, then the gauze, and then hold it in place with tape.

Waterproof Cover:

If your wound is small and you want to cover it with a waterproof dressing so you can take a shower, there are small and medium waterproof dressings that you can use. They can cover another all-in-one bandage OR they can be placed over top a non adherent dressing as the adhesive layer. They are NOT good enough to keep your wound dry if you are soaking in water, like in a bath, but they are good enough for a shower or for sponge bathing.

When Should I Change the Dressing?

If the dressing doesn't soak through in 24 hours, you can change it once a day. If it soaks through, you may have to change it twice a day. If your wound is at least 7 days old and is not draining much, you can switch to changing it every other day.