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Wound Management

Depending on your wound, your dressing may need to be changed every few hours, or it could last up to a few days. You should change the dressing any time you can see visible exudate through the bandage. If your wound site is too saturated with fluid, it can delay healing time. But dry wounds won’t heal nearly as quickly because a moist environment facilitates the healing process and stimulates collagen synthesis. Always make sure that your wound is kept clean to speed up healing and prevent infection.

Types of Wound Dressings

There are dozens of wound dressings to choose from, but some of the most common types include foam dressings, hyrdocolloid bandages, silver wound dressings, transparent dressings, and alginates. The type of dressing you use will depend on things like the size of the wound, its location, amount of exudate, and more. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which dressing is best for your wound.


Primary and Secondary Dressings

The dressing that is placed directly onto the wound is known as a primary dressing. It is responsible for the majority of wound healing. Primary dressings are available with or without an adhesive border. A dressing with an adhesive border is also known as an island dressing. When choosing the size of your bandage, keep in mind that the absorbent pad of the bandage should cover the entire wound plus an additional 2 inches around the wound. It is important that adhesive does not come into contact with any part of the wound, as this can damage the wound bed. If you're using a primary dressing that does not have an adhesive border, a secondary dressing can be used on top of the primary dressing to help hold it in place. Some examples of secondary dressings include gauze wrap, medical tape, and cohesive bandages.

Foam Dressings

Foam dressings are typically made from a polyurethane material that cushions the wound and are highly absorbent dressings. This makes them appropriate for treating minor burns, infected wounds, and surgical wounds. Some benefits of foam dressings are that they do not produce lint and do not adhere to the wound bed. This prevents trauma to the wound and minimizes pain that can occur during dressing removal. We also carry waterproof foam bandages, which shield the wound from outside moisture and contaminants.

Hydrocolloid Dressings

A hydrocolloid dressing contains polymers, pectin, or other compounds that form a gel when exposed to wound exudate. This locks in moisture and creates an optimal healing environment. Hydrocolloid bandages are flexible, highly absorbent, and are designed not to adhere to the wound. Many hydrocolloids have a waterproof outer layer that repel contaminants. Keep in mind that hydrocolloid dressings should not be use on infected wounds or diabetic patients unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

Hydrogel Dressings

Hydrogel dressings are a type of wound dressing made from a gel-like substance that contains mostly water. They are designed to provide a moist environment for dry wounds. They can be used on several wound types, including burns, abrasions, and ulcers. They are also available in different forms, such as sheets, beads, and impregnated gauzes. Hydrogel dressings are easy to apply and remove and can be used to cover and protect wound surfaces or fill deep wounds. They can help promote healing, preventing infection, and reducing pain and discomfort.

Antimicrobial Dressings

Silver wound dressings are antimicrobial bandages that are impregnated with ionic silver. The antimicrobial properties make silver dressings ideal for infected wounds. They are designed to slowly release silver into the wound based on the amount of exudate that the wound is producing and the presence of bacteria. Silver bandages can be used as a primary or secondary dressing. Along with standard sheet dressings, Express Medical Supply also stocks a silver wound gel, which provides additional hydration to the wound.

Transparent Dressings

Transparent dressings are made from a thin material that allows you to view the condition of your wound without removing the dressing. This prevents bacteria from entering the wound, which lowers the risk of secondary infection. A transparent film dressing is flexible and easily conforms to body contours. This type of dressing is ideal to use on wounds with little to no drainage, since the film material is not absorbent.

Alginate Dressings

An alginate dressing is made of unique fibers that often come from seaweed. They contain ingredients like calcium and sodium, which create a gelling action when they come into contact with moisture. Not only does this make the dressing very absorbent, but it helps speed up healing time. These ingredients also help protect against infection. Alginates are ideal for use on highly exuding wounds like pressure ulcers, burns, diabetic wounds, and more.

Sacral Dressings

Sacral dressings, also called sacrum dressings, are specially shaped to fit the tailbone area. These dressings are often used by people in wheelchairs or those who are confined to bed. Both of these scenarios put constant pressure and friction on the sacral area, which can lead to pressure sores and skin damage. A sacral dressing cushions the tailbone and surrounding area of the body. They can be used to prevent pressure sores or to help heal existing wounds. We carry hydrocolloid sacral dressings and foam sacral dressings to meet your needs.

Buy Medical Dressing for Wound Care Online

Get all your wound care dressing needs delivered straight to your door by shopping online at Express Medical Supply. Browse a wide range of wound care products, including dressings and topical creams, and place your order with ease.

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Picture of 3M Medipore + Pad - Wound Dressings

3M Medipore + Pad - Wound Dressings

  • Box of 25, case of 4 boxes (100)
  • Convenient, all-in-one wound dressing
  • Wound dressing flexes with movement
  • Gentle on the skin
  • Porous and breathable
  • Promotes wound healing
  • Self-adhesive
From: $23.47
Picture of 3M Nexcare - Advanced Healing Waterproof Bandages

3M Nexcare - Advanced Healing Waterproof Bandages

  • Provides a strong waterproof seal around wound
  • Transparent material
  • Unique diamond shape
  • Promotes quick healing
From: $6.45
Picture of 3M Nexcare - Assorted Waterproof Bandages

3M Nexcare - Assorted Waterproof Bandages

  • Protects agains water, dirt, and germs
  • Clear, breathable material
  • Ultra-thin and comfortable
  • Unique diamond shape provides a 360° seal
From: $3.21
Picture of 3M Nexcare - No Sting Liquid Bandage Spray

3M Nexcare - No Sting Liquid Bandage Spray

  • Promotes healing
  • No sting liquid bandage
  • Stays on in water and keeps moisture out
  • Keeps dirt, water, and germs away from open wounds
From: $7.45
Picture of 3M Nexcare - Tegaderm +Pad Waterproof Transparent Dressing

3M Nexcare - Tegaderm +Pad Waterproof Transparent Dressing

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Waterproof transparent dressing
  • Seals out water, dirt, and germs
  • Allows moisture to escape and oxygen to enter for breathability
  • Wear up to 4 days
From: $7.45
Picture of 3M Nexcare - Tegaderm Waterproof Transparent Dressing

3M Nexcare - Tegaderm Waterproof Transparent Dressing

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Waterproof transparent dressing
  • Seals out water, dirt, and germs
  • Allows moisture to escape and oxygen to enter for breathability
  • Wear up to 7 days
From: $13.87
Picture of 3M Nexcare - Tegaderm Waterproof Transparent Dressing (Assorted Pack)

3M Nexcare - Tegaderm Waterproof Transparent Dressing (Assorted Pack)

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Wear up to 7 days
  • Waterproof transparent dressing
  • Seals out water, dirt, and germs
  • Allows moisture to escape and oxygen to enter for breathability
From: $10.25
Picture of 3M Tegaderm - Hydrocolloid Dressing

3M Tegaderm - Hydrocolloid Dressing

  • Waterproof
  • Wear up to 7 days
  • Inner layer absorbs drainage quickly, usually within 48 hours
  • Outer layer is breathable and quickly releases moisture vapor
From: $22.89
Picture of 3M Tegaderm - Round Foam Adhesive Dressing

3M Tegaderm - Round Foam Adhesive Dressing

  • Water resistant
  • Highly absorbent, yet breathable
  • Round shape is recommended for elbow and heel wounds
  • Adheres to dry or moist skin
  • Soft spoke design makes application easy
From: $39.64
Picture of 3M Tegaderm - Thin Hydrocolloid Dressing

3M Tegaderm - Thin Hydrocolloid Dressing

  • Wear up to 7 days
  • Will not break down or leave residue behind
  • Keeps the wound moist
  • Ideal for partial thickness ulcers, donor sites, and superficial wounds
From: $20.21
Picture of Allevyn - Adhesive Hydrocellular Foam Dressing

Allevyn - Adhesive Hydrocellular Foam Dressing

  • Soft cushioned pad
  • Adhesive border for security
  • Waterproof and bacteria resistant
  • Creates a moist wound environment
From: $79.82
Picture of Allevyn - Gentle Border Lite Dressing

Allevyn - Gentle Border Lite Dressing

  • Promotes faster healing
  • Cost effective wound dressing
  • Silicone Gel adhesive for easy removal
  • Gentle Border Lite dressings mold to body contours
  • Box of 10, case of 6 boxes (60). 6" x 6" is only sold by box.
From: $29.32
Picture of Allevyn - Gentle Border Sacrum Dressing

Allevyn - Gentle Border Sacrum Dressing

  • Wide adhesive border
  • Ideal for delicate skin
  • Reduces risk of infection
  • Unique shape and 3 slits for proper fit
From: $12.84
Picture of Allevyn - Gentle Border Wound Dressing

Allevyn - Gentle Border Wound Dressing

  • Promotes faster healing
  • Cost effective wound dressing
  • Longer wear time to minimize pain and trauma
  • Gentle adhesive for easy removal
  • Box of 10, Case of 4 boxes
From: $51.99
Picture of Allevyn - Hydrocellular Foam Dressing

Allevyn - Hydrocellular Foam Dressing

  • Waterproof
  • Creates a moist wound environment
  • Foam dressing can be cut to fit dress wounds in awkward areas
  • Highly absorbent wound dressing that will not break down in exudates
From: $6.13
Picture of Allevyn Life - Hydrocellular Foam Dressing

Allevyn Life - Hydrocellular Foam Dressing

  • Quadrilobe shape allows for patient to shower with ease
  • Creates a moist wound environment
  • Minimizes visual impact, making it less noticeable under clothing
  • Provides cushioning and helps spread pressure evenly across the wound
  • Lock away core allows for longer wear time and less waste
  • Box of 10
From: $51.99
Picture of Aquacel - Foam Dressing with Adhesive Border

Aquacel - Foam Dressing with Adhesive Border

  • Gentle silicone border is designed to adhere to surrounding skin not wound bed
  • Vertical wicking prevents lateral spread of fluid, reducing risk of maceration
  • Skin friendly adhesive supports simple application and removal
From: $72.45
Picture of AQUACEL Ag Advantage Enhanced Hydrofiber Dressing

AQUACEL Ag Advantage Enhanced Hydrofiber Dressing

  • Ionic silver kills harmful bacteria and yeasts
  • Ag Extra is 9x stronger and 50% more absorbent
  • Maintains a moist wound environment
  • For moderate to highly exuding wounds
  • 2" x 2": box of 10. 4" x 5": each, box of 10. 6" x 6": box of 5
From: $23.45
Out of stock
Picture of Comfeel  - Round Hydrocolloid Dressing

Comfeel - Round Hydrocolloid Dressing

  • Adhesive outer border keeps dressing in place, even over bony prominences
  • Allowing excess moisture to evaporate while maintaining the proper moist healing environment
  • Residue free removal help prevent irritation
  • "No touch" system allows for easy application while wearing gloves
  • Low to medium exudate level
From: $31.01
Picture of Comfeel Plus - Clear Hydrocolloid Wound Dressing

Comfeel Plus - Clear Hydrocolloid Wound Dressing

  • Thin, flexible design and built in measurement grid allows for easy measurement and visualization
  • "No touch" system allows easy application while wearing gloves
  • Low profile design minimizes edge roll
  • Low exudate level
From: $22.45
Picture of Comfeel Plus - Ulcer Care Hydrocolloid Wound Dressing

Comfeel Plus - Ulcer Care Hydrocolloid Wound Dressing

  • Color change feature indicates the optimal time for dressing changes
  • Adhesive technology keeps dressing securely in place, yet allows easy removal
  • "No touch" system allows easy application while wearing gloves
  • Low to medium exudate level
From: $40.45
Picture of Convatec AQUACEL EXTRA - Hydrofiber Dressing

Convatec AQUACEL EXTRA - Hydrofiber Dressing

  • Two layer dressing stitched together for strength and durability
  • Does not contain ionic silver
  • Maintains a moist wound environment
  • For moderate to highly exuding wounds
  • 2" x 2" - box of 10, 4" x 5" - box of 10, 6" x 6" - box of 5
From: $61.45
Picture of Derma Sciences Medihoney - Calcium Alginate Wound and Burn Dressing

Derma Sciences Medihoney - Calcium Alginate Wound and Burn Dressing

  • Sterile
  • Contains 95% active leptospermum honey
  • Helps lower pH in wound bed for optimal healing
  • Maintains a moist wound environment
  • 2" x 2": each, box of 10, case of 10 boxes (100). 4" x 5": each, box of 10, case of 5 boxes (50)
From: $17.45
Picture of DuoDerm CGF - Square Hydrocolloid Dressing

DuoDerm CGF - Square Hydrocolloid Dressing

  • Non-adhesive wound dressing
  • Sterile wound dressing
  • Retains moisture for quick healing
  • Protects against external contamination
  • Box of 5, box of 20
From: $42.95
Picture of DuoDerm Extra Thin - Square Hydrocolloid Dressing

DuoDerm Extra Thin - Square Hydrocolloid Dressing

  • Waterproof barrier
  • Removes easily
  • Primary dressing with an adhesive border
  • Flexible and comfortable
  • Works well on hard to reach areas
  • 3" x 3": box of 20. 4" x 4", 6" x 6": box of 10
From: $58.95
Product Information

Wound Management

Depending on your wound, your dressing may need to be changed every few hours, or it could last up to a few days. You should change the dressing any time you can see visible exudate through the bandage. If your wound site is too saturated with fluid, it can delay healing time. But dry wounds won’t heal nearly as quickly because a moist environment facilitates the healing process and stimulates collagen synthesis. Always make sure that your wound is kept clean to speed up healing and prevent infection.

Types of Wound Dressings

There are dozens of wound dressings to choose from, but some of the most common types include foam dressings, hyrdocolloid bandages, silver wound dressings, transparent dressings, and alginates. The type of dressing you use will depend on things like the size of the wound, its location, amount of exudate, and more. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which dressing is best for your wound.


Primary and Secondary Dressings

The dressing that is placed directly onto the wound is known as a primary dressing. It is responsible for the majority of wound healing. Primary dressings are available with or without an adhesive border. A dressing with an adhesive border is also known as an island dressing. When choosing the size of your bandage, keep in mind that the absorbent pad of the bandage should cover the entire wound plus an additional 2 inches around the wound. It is important that adhesive does not come into contact with any part of the wound, as this can damage the wound bed. If you're using a primary dressing that does not have an adhesive border, a secondary dressing can be used on top of the primary dressing to help hold it in place. Some examples of secondary dressings include gauze wrap, medical tape, and cohesive bandages.

Foam Dressings

Foam dressings are typically made from a polyurethane material that cushions the wound and are highly absorbent dressings. This makes them appropriate for treating minor burns, infected wounds, and surgical wounds. Some benefits of foam dressings are that they do not produce lint and do not adhere to the wound bed. This prevents trauma to the wound and minimizes pain that can occur during dressing removal. We also carry waterproof foam bandages, which shield the wound from outside moisture and contaminants.

Hydrocolloid Dressings

A hydrocolloid dressing contains polymers, pectin, or other compounds that form a gel when exposed to wound exudate. This locks in moisture and creates an optimal healing environment. Hydrocolloid bandages are flexible, highly absorbent, and are designed not to adhere to the wound. Many hydrocolloids have a waterproof outer layer that repel contaminants. Keep in mind that hydrocolloid dressings should not be use on infected wounds or diabetic patients unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

Hydrogel Dressings

Hydrogel dressings are a type of wound dressing made from a gel-like substance that contains mostly water. They are designed to provide a moist environment for dry wounds. They can be used on several wound types, including burns, abrasions, and ulcers. They are also available in different forms, such as sheets, beads, and impregnated gauzes. Hydrogel dressings are easy to apply and remove and can be used to cover and protect wound surfaces or fill deep wounds. They can help promote healing, preventing infection, and reducing pain and discomfort.

Antimicrobial Dressings

Silver wound dressings are antimicrobial bandages that are impregnated with ionic silver. The antimicrobial properties make silver dressings ideal for infected wounds. They are designed to slowly release silver into the wound based on the amount of exudate that the wound is producing and the presence of bacteria. Silver bandages can be used as a primary or secondary dressing. Along with standard sheet dressings, Express Medical Supply also stocks a silver wound gel, which provides additional hydration to the wound.

Transparent Dressings

Transparent dressings are made from a thin material that allows you to view the condition of your wound without removing the dressing. This prevents bacteria from entering the wound, which lowers the risk of secondary infection. A transparent film dressing is flexible and easily conforms to body contours. This type of dressing is ideal to use on wounds with little to no drainage, since the film material is not absorbent.

Alginate Dressings

An alginate dressing is made of unique fibers that often come from seaweed. They contain ingredients like calcium and sodium, which create a gelling action when they come into contact with moisture. Not only does this make the dressing very absorbent, but it helps speed up healing time. These ingredients also help protect against infection. Alginates are ideal for use on highly exuding wounds like pressure ulcers, burns, diabetic wounds, and more.

Sacral Dressings

Sacral dressings, also called sacrum dressings, are specially shaped to fit the tailbone area. These dressings are often used by people in wheelchairs or those who are confined to bed. Both of these scenarios put constant pressure and friction on the sacral area, which can lead to pressure sores and skin damage. A sacral dressing cushions the tailbone and surrounding area of the body. They can be used to prevent pressure sores or to help heal existing wounds. We carry hydrocolloid sacral dressings and foam sacral dressings to meet your needs.

Buy Medical Dressing for Wound Care Online

Get all your wound care dressing needs delivered straight to your door by shopping online at Express Medical Supply. Browse a wide range of wound care products, including dressings and topical creams, and place your order with ease.

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