Gauze is a loosely woven, breathable medical fabric, typically made from cotton or synthetic fibers, that forms the basis of many wound dressings. Its function is to serve as a physical barrier to protect a wound from external contaminants and infection. The material is highly absorbent, effectively wicking away blood and other fluids, known as exudate, from the wound site. By managing moisture, gauze supports the body’s natural repair process.
Preparing the Wound for Bandaging
Before touching the injury or supplies, thorough hand washing with soap and warm water is required to prevent the introduction of microorganisms. If the wound is actively bleeding, apply gentle, direct pressure using a clean cloth or sterile gauze pad until the flow stops. For minor injuries, the wound must be cleansed gently using mild soap and running water or a saline solution to remove dirt or debris.
During cleaning, inspect the wound for any deeply embedded foreign material that cannot be rinsed away. If the cut is deep, gaping, or if bleeding cannot be controlled, professional medical attention is necessary. Once cleaned, pat the surrounding skin dry, avoid rubbing the wound itself, and allow the surface to air dry before applying the dressing.
Choosing the Correct Gauze and Securing Materials
Selecting the appropriate supplies involves distinguishing between the two main types of gauze. Gauze pads or sponges are square pieces used as the primary dressing placed directly over the wound to absorb fluid. Rolled gauze, also called gauze bandage, is a long strip used as a secondary dressing to secure the pad or to wrap around a limb.
For any open injury, a sterile gauze pad must be used to minimize the risk of bacterial introduction. Non-sterile gauze is reserved for cleaning the skin around the wound or for use as a secondary layer that does not contact the wound surface. To secure the dressing, options include medical adhesive tape for flat areas, or specialized self-adherent wraps and metal clips for flexible areas, such as joints.
Step-by-Step Application Techniques
The gauze pad should be large enough to extend at least half an inch beyond the wound perimeter. Place the sterile pad directly over the injury, touching only the edges to maintain sterility. When securing the pad on a flat area, like a forearm or thigh, cut strips of medical tape long enough to overlap the edges onto the clean skin. For a fresh injury, taping all four sides creates a complete seal against external contamination.
When wrapping a limb, such as an ankle or wrist, with rolled gauze, first apply the sterile gauze pad over the wound. Begin the wrap a few inches below the dressing, ensuring the limb is slightly flexed. Guide the roll around the limb, working upwards and overlapping each previous layer by one-half to two-thirds of the bandage width. This consistent overlap provides uniform pressure and ensures the underlying pad is secured.
The wrap tension must be firm enough to hold the dressing without restricting blood flow. A wrap that is too tight can impair circulation. To check the tension, press gently on a fingernail or the skin just beyond the wrap edge until the color blanches. If the color does not return to normal within two seconds, the bandage is too tight and must be immediately loosened and reapplied.
Leave the fingers or toes exposed, if possible, to allow for frequent monitoring of circulation and sensation. Once the entire dressing is covered, secure the end of the rolled gauze using medical tape, a clip, or by tucking it into a previous layer. The finished bandage should be smooth and comfortable, not causing pain, numbness, or tingling.
When and How to Change the Dressing
The gauze dressing should be changed at least once every 24 hours, or immediately if it becomes wet, dirty, or saturated with drainage. Allowing a soiled dressing to remain creates a warm, moist environment that encourages bacterial growth, increasing the potential for infection. Regular changes allow for inspection of the wound and maintenance of a clean healing environment.
During removal, if the gauze pad is sticking to the wound surface, gently moisten it with sterile saline or warm water to loosen the dried material. This prevents unnecessary trauma to the delicate new tissue. After removing the old dressing, check the wound for signs of infection, which may include increased redness, swelling, pain, warmth, or a foul odor.
Any change in the wound’s appearance, such as drainage becoming thick, darker, or pus-like, warrants consultation with a healthcare professional. After inspection, clean the wound again and apply a fresh, sterile gauze pad and securing bandage. Always dispose of the old dressing and used supplies in a sealed bag to maintain hygiene.