Bandages & Dressings

Modern dressings do specific jobs, and the right one saves both money and healing time. Bordered foam (like Biatain) absorbs moderate exudate and cushions — the default for pressure areas and abrasions. Calcium alginate, made from seaweed fiber, turns to gel in a draining wound and is the go-to for cavity packing; it should not be used on dry wounds because there's no exudate to pull. Transparent films (Tegaderm-type) are used over intact skin and IV sites; they keep the area visible and are not designed for drainage. Non-adherent contact layers stop dressings from sticking to the wound bed — the layer that makes changes painless.

They are not interchangeable: match the dressing to exudate volume first and location second — manufacturer guides describe which format suits which wound; when in doubt ask the clinician managing the wound. Elastic and self-adherent wraps hold it all in place without tape residue on fragile skin.

All formats are sold by box with per-dressing pricing visible. Wound care questions go to your clinician; supply and sizing questions to (614) 654-6591.