Gauze is a woven, absorbent material used widely in wound care to manage drainage and protect the injury from the outside environment. Its primary function is to serve as a physical barrier, shielding delicate healing tissue from contamination like dirt and airborne microbes. Gauze also absorbs exudate, the fluid that drains from a wound, helping to keep the wound bed clean. However, its absorbent nature means that when a gauze dressing gets wet from an external source, its protective function is rapidly compromised.
Why Moisture Compromises Wound Healing
When a gauze dressing becomes wet, it creates physical and biological problems for the wound. The dressing immediately loses its ability to act as a sterile barrier against pathogens. Water, especially tap or shower water, is not sterile and can carry bacteria directly to the wound site. A wet dressing traps this moisture against the skin, creating a warm, damp environment ideal for bacterial and fungal proliferation, which increases the risk of infection.
This excessive moisture also causes maceration, the softening and breakdown of the skin surrounding the wound. Macerated skin appears white and wrinkled, making it fragile and susceptible to tearing. This breakdown impedes the healing process by creating a larger, vulnerable area. Furthermore, the wet material can adhere to the wound bed, and upon removal, it can strip away newly formed granulation tissue necessary for repair.
Immediate Protocol When Gauze Gets Wet
If a gauze dressing becomes wet, change it immediately; it should never be allowed to dry on the wound. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent the introduction of new germs during the dressing change. Carefully remove the wet gauze and any underlying materials, taking care not to disturb the wound bed. If the wet material is sticking, gently moisten it with sterile saline to ease removal, but avoid using tap water.
After removal, assess the wound and the surrounding skin. Look for signs of trouble, such as increased redness, swelling, or a foul odor that might suggest an early infection. Gently clean the wound with a saline solution or as directed by a healthcare professional, then pat the skin around the wound completely dry using a clean cloth or gauze. Finally, apply a completely new, sterile, and dry gauze dressing large enough to cover the entire wound and the margin of surrounding skin.
Strategies for Protecting Gauze Dressings
Preventative measures are the best approach for keeping a gauze dressing dry, particularly during activities like showering. One effective strategy is to use waterproof plastic covers or specialized shower sleeves designed to slip over a bandaged limb. These products create a watertight seal and are often reusable, providing reliable protection.
For wounds on the torso or other areas, a simple but effective method is to cover the dressing with a layer of plastic wrap or a clean plastic bag. Secure this barrier tightly to the surrounding healthy skin using strong, waterproof medical tape, ensuring the tape overlaps to create a seal. If the wound is small, a large, pre-made waterproof adhesive dressing can be applied over the gauze as a secondary shield. Planning the shower right before a scheduled dressing change can also minimize the time the dressing is at risk of getting wet.