Component of bandages

Primary layer

Secondary layer

Tertiary layer

Function

  1. Debride the wound
  2. Deliver medication
  3. Transmit exudate to 2nd layer
  4. Seal the wound

Materials

  1. Adherent - gauze
  2. Non-adherent
  • Semi-occlusive ( ex : petroleum impregnated gauze)
  • Occlusive (film/ foam/ hydrocolloid/ hydrogel bandage)

Function

  1. Secure primary layer to the wound
  2. Absorption of wound exudate/ fluid
  3. Support and pressure to the bandaged area
  4. Provide compression to reduce hemorrhage and prevent edema

Materials

  1. Cast padding
  2. Rolled cotton

Function

  1. Hold the inner layers in place and fix them to the bandaged part
  2. Provide a barrier against physical abrasion and environmental contamination
  3. Provide additional support

Material

  1. Vet wrap
  2. Porous tape
  3. Elasticon

Adherent dressing

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Stick to the wound surface

example - gauze square

Advantages

allow desiccation

adherence of exudate, necrotic tissue and wound debris

Disadvantages

often painful to remove

used when there is enough drainage to soak through tertiary layer

delay fibroplasia and epithelization

should not be used for prolonged period of time

environmental bacteria to wick through and contaminate the wound

Dry to dry bandages

Wet to dry bandages

Wounds that have copious amount of low viscosity exudate, loose necrotic tissue or foreign debris

Technique

Place a dry gauze square over the wound, followed by the secondary and tertiary layer

How it works

  • Allows necrotic tissue and foreign debris to adhere to the gauze
  • while allowing wound drainage to pass through to the secondary layer

higher viscosity exudate and loose debris requiring debridement

common in vet med

Technique

gauze is applied wet, moistened with

  • sterile saline, OR
  • sterile water containing a dilute antiseptic solution, such as 0.05% chlorhexidine diacetate

Dressing allowed to dry before removal

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