First Aid Only Dressings

You can protect wounds against contamination or further damage with quality dressings. Latex-free bandages, gauze strips and self-adhering pads are good alternatives for those with latex allergies, while washable bandages can help save money when you're dealing with frequent dressing changes. Consider sterile bandages and pads to treat open wounds at risk of infection, or choose non-sterile gauze as a secondary dressing that doesn't come in direct contact with cuts or abrasions. From tiny bandages intended for small wounds to extra-large pads designed for post-operative recovery, wound dressings can help improve outcomes after an injury or surgery. Compact boxes, tightly wrapped rolls and individually packaged pads can make it simple to stock up and keep a supply of wound dressings with other wound care supplies.

Soft Comfortable Care

Comfort matters when dealing with wound care. Loose cotton gauze bandages wrap around limbs or hard-to-dress areas to help create a soft buffer between the wound and the environment, and absorbent materials can help keep moisture and fluids away from the injury without sticking. Specialty bandages infused with cooling gels relieve pain and encourage proper healing, especially for burns. Flexible fabric bandages can move with your body to prevent accidental slipping or tearing.

Durable Wound Closure

Compression can help stop bleeding and seeping from an open cut, so bandages that hold everything tightly in place can help speed up healing. You can exert pressure on a wound while holding gauze in place using elastic bandages that wrap around the injured area and fasten with integrated hooks, or you can choose self-adherent wraps that don't adhere to the skin or other bandages. With extra-long bandages, you can wrap the stretchy material around multiple times to ensure a tight fit. This type of bandages also roll up tightly so they're easy to transport in a first aid kit or emergency bag. Tubular elastic retainers can slip over a limb to secure loose bandages or medical devices. Sterile wound closure strips help keep thin minor cuts tightly sealed in place of stitches, while silicone and foam bandages can be removed and reapplied to reduce the need for full dressing changes each time you inspect the wound.

Adhesive Pads

Small wounds require small bandages, and adhesive pads are a good option for treating minor cuts, burns and abrasions. With self-adhering pads, there's no need to figure out how to wrap and tape the wound. You can simply peel and place the bandage to instantly protect the injured area. Look for breathable adhesives that cling to the skin without sticking to the wound to reduce pain during removal. Water-resistant adhesive bandages stay put during showers and baths to prevent unwanted wound exposure. Small self-adhesive bandages can help stop bleeding and keep little injuries covered while they heal, and large trauma pads are essential for emergency response units.